The technological evolution of trucks

Technology, as in all areas of society, has become a fundamental aspect of modern trucks. It makes day-to-day life easier, and provides us countless benefits and comforts. The same is true of the transport sector, and the trucks that it entails. We will now analyse how these vehicles, and everything related to them (safety, design, performance, etc.), have been adapted to the various technological advances that have been developed to date.

Whilst there are few notable changes in the exterior of the vehicles, which continue to be designed in their original style, we will focus on the new elements of the interior of the trucks related to the use of technology.

Technological advances in safety

At Andamur we are committed to safety, and we must always be aware that behind these vehicles and their cargo, are people. It is therefore essential that the drivers can carry out their work in the optimum conditions. The advances that technology has brought about are remarkable:

• Evolution of braking systems. Due to the enormous inertia generated by a truck due to its volume and weight, its braking system must be of the highest possible quality. This is currently the safety element with the greatest R&D+i investment .
• Traction control. In construction trucks, for example, front-wheel drive can be automatically activated when the rear wheels lose traction on loose or soft ground. This results in greater ease of driving.
• Steering assist. Steering of a truck is impossible without power steering. It requires a system that increases the manoeuvring force exerted by the driver. Today, completely electric steering systems and electro-hydraulic combined systems exist. However, the classic hydraulic steering system is still the most widely used.
• Incorporation of automated changes with almost perfect electronic management adjustments ensures that the truck knows at all times the gear ratio that it should engage for optimal functioning. This is monitored using sensors that track the load situation in the truck or the orography of the road. This advance also reduces fuel consumption and increases driving comfort.
• GPS-led cruise control. The widespread incorporation of this system to vehicles has revolutionised the transport sector. The truck reads the orography of the road in advance to adapt its speed at all times, ensuring that fuel is not wasted under any circumstances.
• Thanks to the engine covers and the carpeting of cabins, the trucks of today are near silent. This has divided opinions among drivers, as some miss the traditional engine sound of their vehicles.

The latest

According to specialised magazine ‘Solo Camión’, the latest technological advances that have been incorporated into trucks can be divided into two categories ‘related to driving assistance’ and ‘infotainment’.

The key improvement that has been achieved in terms of driving assistance is with regards to lighting, specifically LED and xenon headlights, leaving behind the old halogen style lamps. Other developments include the use of radars for involuntary lane changes or approaching vehicles that are increasingly becoming standard on trucks – a real asset for driver safety.

In terms of infotainment, all manufacturers have updated the new versions of their trucks with increasingly modern interiors over recent years, incorporating elements such as digital interior screens or digital rear-view mirrors with exterior cameras.

In summary, there is a situation of constant technological evolution in all aspects related to safety, and although the changes may not be immediately noticeable, especially on the outside of vehicles, professional drivers do indeed perceive all these improvements and comforts in their daily life.