The trucks of the future will provide forwarders with encrypted access to vehicle data at all times, said Bosch at the 66th International Motor Show for commercial vehicles in Hannover.
This transparency will allow operators to use their fleets even more efficiently. By connecting trucks to the Bosch IoT Cloud, dispatchers can obtain information on a truck’s current position, the route it will follow, and the planned destination of its cargo, the product manufacturer says.
Connecting vehicles and forwarding companies together also makes moving goods by road safer and more secure, the firm argues. Cargo theft from parked trucks costs the industry more than 16 billion euros a year in Europe. But using the Bosch IoT Cloud to monitor a truck’s cargo hold can put a stop to crime, the firm claims.
Dr Johannes-Jörg Rüger, president of the commercial vehicle and off-road organization at Bosch, describes benefits of the trailer control unit. “Every time the cargo hold is opened, a sensor box logs and reports it. If that happens at an unscheduled time, the system raises the alarm by notifying the driver and the forwarding company. Senders, recipients, and forwarding agents can all use this same technology to track cargo shipments.”
Users would be able to access information on the type, location, and condition of the goods at any time. Examples include the temperature of the cargo hold and any shocks or vibrations that occur – in short, anything that could affect the condition and quality of the freight. Starting in 2017, Bosch will also be offering its TraQ solution, which provides more detailed tracking on an individual pallet level. These connected solutions create far more transparency in the logistics chain, speed deliveries, and boost flexibility in the event of unexpected incidents, the company adds.
As for secure parking, parking areas could be secured by means of intelligent video technology, while entry to the area would be controlled (plus cashless payment) using license plate recognition, the firm adds.
At the IAA, Bosch will also present its camera-based solution that replaces two side-view mirrors. Called the Mirror Cam System, it reduces wind resistance and therefore cuts fuel consumption by 1 to 2 percent, it’s claimed. The video sensors can be integrated into the driver’s cab, which is also where the monitors that display the video images are located.
The IAA show for commercial transport runs from September 22 to 29: visit http://www.iaa.de/en/.
