How artificial intelligence is changing the heavy-duty industry

Have you ever seen those movies where robots are everywhere, making life easy for us and allows for us to focus on more important things? Well, this idea of futuristic technology and robotics is mostly due to artificial intelligence (AI) – and although we aren’t there yet, it’s definitely safe to say that we are on the way there (especially in the heavy-duty industry!). The move to more digitalized and automatic work systems and equipment can be scary, but as we come closer to this AI-centered lifestyle, the easier it will be to convert.

Already, major OEM companies are moving forward with their own autonomous equipment releases – including Caterpillar, John Deere, Komatsu, and more. In the next couple of decades, it is estimated that more than 80% of heavy equipment machinery will move towards this automated operation as experts in the most respected sectors of the market see the impending benefits of productivity, reduced costs, and worker safety. With this said, let’s look towards the beginning of this transition where AI was birthed – a digitalized world of advanced technology.

It all starts with technology

The days of pen-and-paper are near over, and although this can be hard for some to overcome, we promise that the new age of digitalization is much, much easier… and efficient! This revolution impacts both our everyday lives and on the job site, with groceries being available for shopping straight from your phone and easy-to-manage mobile banking to streamlined engine analytics and mobile maintenance scheduling/requesting. Everything is now forecasted and data-driven, where rapid advancement of readily available technology keeps businesses aligned with incredible opportunities for growth and expansion. And the thing is, if you aren’t on this wave, it seems like you are being left in the dust.

This is why, especially in the world of heavy-duty equipment and fleet management where the market is changing every year, you need to be up to date with the most recent and effective technology. According to enterprisetechsuccess.com, “digital transformation isn’t only a way to stay competitive—it is a pre-requisite for success in a 21st Century economy” – a perfect analysis of the current market and its need for advanced technology in your business.

So, you may ask, how does one make this “digital transformation”? Let’s find out.

Better manage fleets with telematics

One of the most popular ways that fleet and heavy-duty businesses transform their management towards this digitalized world is through telematics. A third-party platform that provides a wide variety of features for your business is perfect for that “data-driven” mindset. With the likes of engine analytics, equipment overview, maintenance management, GPS services, dashcam capabilities, reporting, and more – there are so many different providers to choose from that provide endless opportunities.

The benefits of these features also tend to bring an increased return on investment and exciting profitability. Some of these include reduced human error, improved operator health and safety, tracking trends, increased objectivity, and analyzing in real-time. One of the greatest things about telematics solutions is that apart from the hardware price, most of these platforms are provided via subscription – so it’s like your business has a Netflix subscription for streamlining data-driven services!

Apart from telematics, other ways you can digitalize your business include:

• Cloud-based technologies – one of the greatest ways to execute business processes is through digital Customer Relationship Management (CRM) services and Knowledge Management System (KMS) tools. Today, having these are basically essential to business success.
• Mobile support and communication – most people in the world have their own smartphones, so including your employees, customers, or partners in a mobile-centered application for your business (both internally and externally) is crucial for growth and productivity.
• The customer experience – the fastest and most effective way to ensure a positive customer experience is through a digitalized front. Whether it be through receiving and reviewing customer feedback, providing necessary support, or giving insight into your product or service – digital avenues are the best.

The rise of autonomous equipment

So now that you have your equipment management and business processes digitalized and automated – what about your actual vehicles? You may have heard that many OEMs such as John Deere, Komatsu, and Caterpillar are starting to move towards electric, automated vehicles and reduce their carbon footprint on the world. This strive for environmental success and a digital future is exactly what we need for creating that idea of a futuristic tomorrow. And it’s not even a fluke – autonomous equipment provides excellent benefits to both the operator and manager!

According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), “Moving earth and building roads with the help of autonomous equipment isn’t a reality just yet, but it seems safe to say it’s where the construction industry is headed in the not-too-distant future.” With this future coming fast, benefits of these new machines include reduced accidents, reduced CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, much greater efficiency with less human error, as well as a reduction in travel time and transportation costs. Needless to say, the future is in autonomous equipment – stemming from this age of digitalization.

A prediction, not a reality… yet

Although this is all fun and games on paper – the reality is that we are not in this futuristic civilization like we see in the movies yet. In the steps towards fully-incorporated artificial intelligence and automatic processing – we may be closer to that transfer to a world of digitalization.

This starts with you – moving your business to effective CRM services, productive telematics solutions, and digitalizing customer experiences. As the OEMs come out with more and more environmentally friendly and AI-powered machines through trial-and-error, we will start seeing this becoming the norm.

One day, the heavy-duty industry will become fully automated.