This column discusses advancements in transportation

technology that could improve efficiency and safety. It highlights the

immediate potential of equipping long-haul trucks with existing safety features

found in passenger cars, which could reduce accidents and costs. Furthermore,

the text explores the emergence of autonomous delivery vehicles, citing

examples like Gatik's medium-duty trucks for retail and Aurora's heavy-duty

trucks for freight, acknowledging that public perception and funding have been

challenges. Finally, it points to the current availability and potential of

smaller autonomous robots for internal operations, such as maintenance within

facilities, suggesting that these examples indicate the beginning of widespread

adoption of these technologies.