The Impact of Autonomous Technology
A STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF AUTONOMOUS TECHNOLOGY
This research report, created by CAVCOE on behalf of The AED Foundation, details the impact of autonomous technology on the business models of AED’s members and their customers.
The research results show that there are multiple initiatives leading to automation and electrification in the heavy equipment space. The overall impact will not be the sudden arrival of automated heavy equipment in all sectors of the market. Instead, there will likely be incremental advances, such as driver assistance systems, and certain applications within each market being automated first because they are easier to automate.
Other key findings include:
- Transition from diesel engines to electric motors and batteries. In the next 10-15 years, based on exponential trends, it is estimated that more than 80 percent of heavy equipment machinery will be powered by electric powertrains and will have systems centric to autonomous operation.
- These technology disruptors will require the heavy equipment industry to develop a new type of technician.
- Rapid rate of technology advancement today and in the future will impact business and operational models for all AED members.
