Convoys of robotic trucks criss-crossing Europe’s motorway network in 90kmh road-trains. This may sound like the stuff of science fiction, but it is not too far off according to Swedish Truck maker Volvo. Volvo Trucks design director Rikard Orell says, much of the technology featured in their new Volvo Concept Truck 2020 is either already in place or relatively close to development, something that could see the transport industry dramatically change.

The concept itself is designed to showcase aerodynamic design and reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. But Volvo have also included an auto-pilot system, operated via a wireless connection. Using this, a number of trucks would form a road-train with effectively only the lead truck needing to steer, while others follow close behind on “auto-pilot”. The trucks would talk to each other via wireless computer links and there would not be a CD radio in sight.