[Note: In this post, I’m using Wikipedia’s definition of robot: “a machine—especially one programmable by a computer—capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically”. In this sense, a self-driving truck may be considered a robot, as may smaller machines within the truck, including those that look vaguely humanoid.]

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“Tesla’s self-driving trucks should be pretty obvious when they hit roads in 2020”

- Jeff Vrabel/Golf Digest, How to tell if you're driving behind one of Tesla's self-driving robot trucks. November 17, 2017

We’re obviously not there yet. Why not? Partly because self-driving robot trucks have not yet mastered driving, with all the background knowledge and split-second decision making that requires. And partly because truck drivers do a lot more than just drive trucks and robots can’t do many of the auxiliary tasks. These include:

Perhaps employers could hire other workers to handle the before-and-after driving tasks, such as loading, unloading and securing cargo for transport. But would self-driving robot trucks still make economic sense once you add in these extra labor costs? Consider also that it would often be different employers that pick up the tab for the extra labor - that is, not the employers of truck drivers but the businesses that contract with trucking firms. These businesses may very well prefer to hire firms that use human drivers with flexible skill sets, who can help out at both the pick-up and drop-off points.

Of course, cost-saving is just one proposed advantage of robo-trucks. Self-driving robot trucks would also alleviate the chronic shortage of truck drivers in the US. However, if part of what a truck driver usually does if spun off to other workers, increased demand for these other workers could lead to new labor shortages.

As for on-the-road tasks that robots are unlikely to handle any time soon - changing tires, putting on chains, setting out flares, re-securing cargo, etc. - one solution would be to have a real live human in the cab, not driving but at the ready for whatever, plus doing other tasks such as making sales calls or planning further deliveries. Yes, this would be an added expense, bringing us back to the “making economic sense” question. But it would also be an efficient use of time on the truck.