Lot’s of interesting stuff, thanks.
But here’s a couple of points worth considering…
If this automation ends up coming in, presumably trampers will no longer be required? Simple case of 2 x 12 hour shifts per wagon.
Will this also start leaning towards a 4 on 4 off model for ease of planning/manning? And do we then no longer need agency drivers as much?..
Not as many agency drivers?..think of the plastic bags that will save.
Not to mention plastic bottles.
What I want to know is what happens if a fully automated vehicle malfunctions and somebody is seriously injured or killed as a result. There is no driver to blame so who gets a claim made against them for compensation… the software developers? The manufacturers? Or are we going to be signing waivers before getting in the things?
rob22888:
What I want to know is what happens if a fully automated vehicle malfunctions and somebody is seriously injured or killed as a result. There is no driver to blame so who gets a claim made against them for compensation… the software developers? The manufacturers? Or are we going to be signing waivers before getting in the things?
Don’t think it will affect us mate. Can’t see this crap coming in for at least another 25 years.
On a side note, I’ve just been chatting to Malc on the M60 earlier this afternoon 
Mans desire to self destruct, maybe.
Thing is, all this fully automated stuff will be run by computers, which as we all know never fail, never randomly just shut down, programmes don’t freeze and require a restart, never require human intervention, etc etc.
So personally I can’t see full automation in probably any of our lifetimes, there will always be an element of human interaction to an automated system.
I heard something on the wireless the other day that some space thingy of Elon Musks had missed its target or hadn’t managed to slingshot round some planet or other spacey term. so they opted for plan B, a new mission.
Now to me that just says it went ■■■■ up so we’re winging it to see what happens!!!
Mankind will always want to push the boundaries of his imagination, simple.
eagerbeaver:
On a side note, I’ve just been chatting to Malc on the M60 earlier this afternoon
I’m sure he’ll put a good word in for you mate, we do have vacancies
Whether full automation happens in our lifetime or not, what I don’t think is avoidable is technology dumbing down the job even more. Once they start bringing in reversing aids we are screwed.
rob22888:
Whether full automation happens in our lifetime or not, what I don’t think is avoidable is technology dumbing down the job even more. Once they start bringing in reversing aids we are screwed.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
they dont need to be more automated than the one from 1976 
dieseldog999:
rob22888:
Whether full automation happens in our lifetime or not, what I don’t think is avoidable is technology dumbing down the job even more. Once they start bringing in reversing aids we are screwed.^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
they dont need to be more automated than the one from 1976
Where’s his hi vis! 
eagerbeaver:
Good posts thus far, but no answersIs it the Government pushing the truck manufacturers to trial all this stuff, or is it ’ anticipation ’ from the truck makers?
Are their tax incentives etc? All these questions are hurting my head
think your find it the like of silicon vally, watched a program about it, they are pushing automation so hard
