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Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous Vehicles Realized

Oct. 13, 2020
Plus three more automotive industry developments to expect by 2030.

Automation is coming to an automotive company near you.

Industry experts believe robotic automation will replace around 800 million workers by the year 2030, dramatically upending the global workforce. From truck drivers to food delivery companies like Uber Eats, this will change the face of transportation as we know it. Automation will have an outside effect on the automotive industry. Manufacturers will need to test and explore these ideas if they want to capitalize on these trends over the next 10 years.

Let’s look at some of the biggest automotive development trends heading your way in the next decade.

The Rise of Automation

Drivers are looking for a safer, more reliable way to get to and from their destination. For the average consumer, this means spending more time on their phone and less time watching the road. Everyday drivers will love the convenience of getting behind the wheel while the car does most of the work.

From a business perspective, delivery and transportation companies like Uber, Lyft and Amazon will be able to move goods and passengers using automation instead of having a human driver behind the wheel. While self-driving cars may be a costly investment, they will help these companies save money on labor, healthcare, insurance and operational expenses. Instead of managing and communicating with drivers in real time, managers can control these vehicles remotely so they can reroute them to a new destination with the touch of a finger.

From a manufacturing perspective, automotive manufacturers will need to install sensors in the car so it can navigate the road and avoid oncoming obstacles. These include radar sensors for identifying other vehicles, traffic cameras for sensing pedestrians and other obstacles, and Lidar (light detection and ranging) sensors for sensing the vehicle’s position in relation to other vehicles.

According to Synopsys, “Autonomous cars rely on sensors, actuators, complex algorithms, machine learning systems and powerful processors to execute software.” Automotive companies can use metal storage bins to sort and transport these sensors as they incorporate them into the manufacturing process.

Reducing CO2 Emissions

Both the U.S. and Europe are using progressive emission standards to lower the amount of carbon dioxide that’s released into the atmosphere, a major contributor to climate change and global warming. This will reduce the industry’s overall effect on the environment, while improving air quality for millions of citizens across the U.S.—particularly those who live in urban areas.

One of the best ways to reduce CO2 emissions is to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle. Recent developments in aluminum alloys are helping the industry reach its goal of net-zero carbon emissions. These new materials are just as durable as stainless steel without adding too much weight to the vehicle. The lighter the car, the less fuel is needed to keep it running. Aluminum alloys are corrosion-resistant and fully recyclable, so older vehicles can be turned into new models.

Consumers will appreciate the lack of weight. They won’t have to pay as much for gas at the pump, enabling them to spend more on a new vehicle upfront.

Automotive companies are looking to reduce CO2 emissions during the manufacturing process as well. This means utilizing energy-efficient technology in the warehouse and transporting parts and merchandise with less fuel. IBC totes are perfect for transporting large quantities of fluid and dry goods like automotive parts. They were once seen as too bulky and expensive to be practical in the workplace, but these containers have come a long way in recent years.

Today’s IBC totes are much lighter and more durable than those of years past. Automotive manufacturers can use these containers to quickly transport large quantities of goods. With a built-in plastic pallet, IBCs can be used to simplify the loading/unloading process. Instead of moving dozens of individual boxes by hand, workers can move hundreds of pounds of merchandise with a lift truck in a matter of minutes. Managers won’t have to worry about losing track of their pallets or pausing production to make way for incoming supplies. Look for IBC totes for sale to improve efficiency.

The Rise of Electric Vehicles

To further reduce the effects of climate change, automotive manufacturers are looking to increase production of electric vehicles, or EVs. For years, electric cars were seen as a risky bet for automotive companies, considering they couldn’t travel as far as gas-powered vehicles. They were perfect for urban commuters, but not suburban drivers who like to spread their wings on the highway. Drivers also had to recharge them on a regular basis, and without an infrastructure for electric cars, this was often a challenge.

However, the industry is looking to expand the capabilities of these vehicles so they will become more popular with drivers. Electric batteries can now hold more of a charge than they could before, increasing the range of these vehicles. The rise of home solar panels and charging units has made it easier to charge these vehicles at home so drivers don’t have to worry about visiting their local charging station.

We should see more electric car charging stations pop up over the next few years, including portable charging units that drivers can recharge on the go.

Manufacturers will need to adjust the designs of their vehicles if they plan to increase their production of EVs. This will include the production and installation of electric batteries and the removal of gas-powered engines.

The transportation and automotive industry will likely change in dramatic ways over the next 10 years. By 2030, the supply chain will look considerably different than it does today. Consumers and corporations alike are looking for better ways to get around, while minimizing their effect on the environment. Keep these ideas in mind as you look for ways to seize upon these trends.

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About the Author

David Madden

David Madden is an efficiency expert, as well as being the Founder and President of Container Exchanger. His passion and business is to save companies money through the use of used, reusable and repurposed industrial packaging, such as plastic and metal bulk containers, gaylord boxes, bulk bags, pallets, IBC totes and industrial racks. He holds an MBA as well as a certificate from Daimler Chrysler Quality Institute for completion of six-sigma black belt training.