iTECH: Telematics - Creating the Intelligent Truck

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orting out the hype from reality in the burgeoning field of telematics would try a wizard, but as 2004 approaches it appears that the fully networked vehicle is fast becoming fact rather than science fiction.

Interviews with standards developers, executives of major vehicle manufacturers and traffic and fleet management experts indicate that the standards necessary for manufacturers to build a fully networked vehicle cost effectively with relatively inexpensive wireless Internet connectivity are not far away. Once standards are published next year and in 2005, manufacturers will have the wherewithal to develop technology so that all functions can be embedded into trucks and then integrated with each other.

Telematics refers to the slew of electronic applications — including communications, computerized systems and safety technologies — in use and being developed for trucks and other vehicles. A networked vehicle would have an embedded computer “brain” operating and coordinating the telematic functions. Currently, telematic functions typically operate independently.

However, a networked truck would be able to store data and correlate between functions. It could also send and receive messages or data through wireless access to the Internet.

For the full story, see the November/December issue of iTECH, which appeared as a supplement in the Nov. 3 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.