COIT20249

Professional Skills for Information and Communication Technology

Assignment 3
Due date: 22 January 2016
Harvard Referencing Used

Prepared by:
Dilpinder Singh
S02
Brisbane Campus

Submitted to:
Mr. Terrence Maybury
Course Coordinator:
Ruchira De Silva

Executive summary
Technology has penetrated into every aspect of modern society like never before.
Host of industries are experimenting with new and innovative communication
technologies solution in order to improve their efficiency and business
performance. Transportation industry is one those industries who is going to
benefit from these advances. Advances in information and communication
technologies have completely revolutionised the transportation systems.
Autonomous transportation is one of the important advancement in
transportation industry that are developing at breathtaking speed. Vast use of
streamlined and advanced IT technologies has led to the concept of autonomous
vehicles capable of driving themselves without human interference. Advanced
driver assistance systems, cruise control system, parking assist systems are few
examples of autonomous technologies already integrated by automakers into
vehicles to enhance consumers driving experience.
Autonomous vehicle
promise many improvements in speed, efficiency, safety and reliability. As with
all new ideas and inventions, autonomous vehicles have their benefits and issues
that can impact their capability. Objective of this report is to explore the
autonomous vehicles technologies and their usage in transport and logistics
industry in order to assist Roy Transport Company of Adelaide in deciding
whether they should adopt autonomous vehicles to expand their business or not.
The report has examined several aspects of autonomous vehicles including their
use, autonomous vehicle technologies and applications, potential benefits and
downsides of using autonomous vehicle in Roy Transport Company. Report has
adopted a structured and systematic approach for examining these issues. It has
been found that autonomous vehicles can provide several benefits to Roy
Transport Company such as decreased cost, time savings, efficient and improved
performance thus the company should consider implementing the autonomous
technologies such as LIDAR, navigation technologies and vehicle to vehicle
technologies as described in the report. Roy Transport company is recommended
to employ the autonomous technologies in their logistics operation, long haul
delivery and automated order picking systems.

Table of Contents
Executive summary............................................................................................... 2
1. Introduction:...................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Company background:..................................................................................4
1.2 Report background....................................................................................... 4
1.3 Report objective and structure.....................................................................4
2. Autonomous vehicles and technologies:............................................................4
2.1 autonomous vehicle:.................................................................................... 4
2.2 Autonomous technologies:...........................................................................5
3. Use of autonomous vehicle in three ways:........................................................5
4. Benefits and challenges associated with autonomous vehicles:........................6
4.1 Benefits of using autonomous vehicles........................................................6
4.2 Challenges in using autonomous vehicles....................................................7
5. Report findings:................................................................................................. 7
6. Recommendations:............................................................................................ 8
7. References:........................................................................................................ 9

1. Introduction:
1.1 Company background:
Roy transport is an Adelaide based privately owned company providing transport
services, warehousing services and logistics services. Company provides high
quality transport and logistics services across Australia. Roy Transport Company
commenced its operation in 2001 under the guidance of founder and director
Sassy Johnson. Roy Transport Company is currently serving more than 2000
customers across Australia and one of the leading transport companies in
Australia. Company has number of vehicles, facilities and personnel for
accommodating customer needs related to freight, container transport,
warehousing and distribution. Companys mission is to ensure that customer gets
the efficient, effective, timely, reliable and best possible services.

1.2 Report background

The phrase driverless vehicle can be interpreted in several ways. Truly
driverless or autonomous vehicle means that driver is not required to be present
in the vehicle. Fully autonomous vehicle are not commercialised yet and still in
testing phase however they can become available in coming years. Autonomous
vehicles those are currently available are capable of taking in charge of most of
the part of journey but still needs a manual control in some occasions (Fagnant &
Kockelman 2015). Few technologies and their combination are close to the
ultimate scenario of a completely autonomous vehicle. These technologies
include cruise control, lane keeping technologies, self-parking systems and
vehicle warning systems. Driverless vehicle and these technologies can offer
significant benefits and enormous opportunities such as making driving easier,
improving road safety, reducing congestion, reducing emissions and improving
mobility. They can have profound impact on social, economic and environmental
level (Cohen 2015).

1.3 Report objective and structure

This report is designed to provide insights about autonomous vehicles, their
features, technologies used by them, benefits offered by them, downsides of
autonomous vehicle in the context of Roy Transport Company to provide help to
company in making decision whether to employ autonomous vehicles in their
business or not. Targeted audience for the report is the key stakeholders of Roy
Transport Company however report findings are also applicable for other
companies having similar business operations.
Report will be presented in separate sections to shed light on each aspect of
autonomous vehicles use for Roy Transport Company. Firstly, autonomous
vehicles and autonomous technologies/applications will be discussed. Use of
autonomous vehicles in Roy Transport Company will be examined in second part
of the report. Next section of the report will handle the analysis of benefits and
downsides of using autonomous vehicles. Finally, report findings will be revealed
in a separate section followed by a set of recommendations for the Roy Transport
Company.

2. Autonomous vehicles and technologies:

2.1 autonomous vehicle:
Autonomous vehicles refer to a vehicle which does not incorporate human
component in driving. In other words, a vehicle capable of driving itself without
any manual instructions is called autonomous vehicle (Insaurralde 2013). Vehicle
automation can be defined based on level of automation:
Level 0: There is no automation provided in Level 0 as the human driver
takes full control of the vehicles functions.
Level 1: There is function specific automation provided in the level 1.
One or two functions are automated in this level but they can work
independent of each other. Driver should be present to take control in this
level. Example of level 1 automation consists functions such as cruise
control and parking assist system.
Level 2: There is combined function automation provided in level 2. Two
or more functions can be integrated together for automation purpose.
Driver should be present to take control in this level also. Example of level
2 automation is cruise control combined with automated speed control for
sensing traffic flow.
Level 3: There is limited self-driving automation provided in level 3.
Several driving functions are fully automated to allow driver to engage in
other activities. Vehicle can signal the driver to reengage in certain
situations and provides adequate time for safety regain control.
Level 4: There is full self-driving automation provided in level 4. All the
control functions are fully automated which eliminated the need of human
driver. Driver can provide input related to trip or navigation but not
required to take control of vehicle during the entire trip (NCD 2015).

2.2 Autonomous technologies:

Autonomous vehicles utilise numerous technologies and applications such as
sensing technologies, navigation technologies and networking technologies.
Sensing technologies: Autonomous vehicles rely upon precise and
accurate sensing for collecting information about their surroundings and
location. Several sensors such as radar, cameras, ultrasound, light
detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors are few sensors used by these
vehicles. LIDAR is one of the main sensor technology used by autonomous
vehicles for getting 360 degree sensing and recognition of surrounding
objects. LIDAR and camera together provides a 3D information on
surrounding environment. These sensors enable the vehicle to apply
automated braking and lane changing features. LIDAR also helps in
eliminating the blind spots (ZF 2015)
Navigation technologies: Human operators can navigate easily in
uncertain environments by adjusting to changes. However autonomous
vehicles require prior information in the form of maps and environmental
data. GPS (Global Positioning System) is used by autonomous vehicles for
accurate navigation. GPS enables the vehicle to automatically navigate to
its destination once the input are provided manually (Dhanasingaraja,
Kalaimagal & Muralidharan 2014).
Connected vehicles and networking technologies: Communication
among vehicles is one of the important elements in autonomous vehicles.
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Vehicle to vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) and vehicle-toauxiliary (V2X) technologies are some networking technologies used by
autonomous vehicles. These technologies help in accessing the
information from surrounding vehicle and share information with them
(Lee & Pokutta 2015). V2X, V2I and V2V are wireless sensor based system
which allows them to share their sensor data with other vehicles around
them.

3. Use of autonomous vehicle in three ways:

There are number of potential possibilities for the practical application of
autonomous vehicle technology in commercial transport business. Roy Transport
Company can use autonomous vehicles in following three ways:
Easier loading and unloading process: One of the major uses of
autonomous vehicles is in the loading and transport. Autonomous vehicles
are capable of making loading and unloading process more efficient and
easier as compared with manual process. Autonomous vehicles are
embedded with sensors and lasers to monitor their surroundings which
enable them to navigate through warehouses without hitting other objects
or workers (DHL 2014). In this way costly damages are prevented.
Example of an autonomous system integrated for loading and unloading
process is KARIS PRO system (conveyer system) in which several selfdriving vehicles are connected with a conventional vehicle. Another
system which can be used by Roy Transport Company is Open shuttle
System which is controlled by laser navigation technology and helps in
picking the containers and transporting them (Perch 2015).
Automated order picking system: Another system which can be used
by Roy Transport Company for facilitating its warehousing operations is
assisted order picking system. Manual transportation to and from drop-off
locations is time consuming and heavy carts can slow things down (DHL
2014). Autonomous vehicle can ensure more efficient and ergonomic
picking process. FiFi is one example of assisted order picking pilot which is
a self-driving intelligent vehicle. FiFi uses vision guidance to respond to
human gestures and follow their instructions for order picking. In addition,
transporting of loads to specified hand-over points can be performed by
FiFi also (Roy et al. 2015).
Line haul transportation: Long distance intercity freight transportation
can be facilitated with the use of autonomous vehicles. Assisted highway
trucking can help the Roy transport company in enhancing the quality of
transportation services. Driver assistance system can alert the driver
about safe driving distances, controlling and maintaining the safe speed,
applying emergency braking and help in compensating the vehicle blind
spots (Roy et al. 2015). In addition, it helps the truck to stay in lane by
keeping an optimum distance from other vehicles however driver needs to
perform some operations such as overtaking, leaving the highway or
merging into traffic. Convoying systems with autonomous technologies
can also be used by Roy transport company for efficient transportation
(DHL 2014).

4. Benefits and challenges associated with autonomous

vehicles:
4.1 Benefits of using autonomous vehicles
Improved safety: Autonomous vehicles have potential of reducing the
vehicle crash or accidents caused by driver error. Human element is a
potential source of vehicle accident. Number of driver errors such as drink
driving, drowsiness and distraction can be eliminated from the use of
autonomous vehicles (NCD 2015).
Highly efficient operations: Autonomous vehicle can improve the
efficiency of transport operations as they can operate continuously
without any break. Autonomous vehicles can operate using more stable
traffic patterns and improve the fuel efficiency. Automatic parking system
can help in saving time and fuel as well (NCD 2015).
Reduced need of drivers: Autonomous vehicles can minimise or
eliminate the need of human drivers in transportation services. This can
result in huge cost savings for the Roy Transport Company (Fagnant &
Kockelman 2015).
Time savings: Autonomous technologies such as cruise control,
automated parking system and detection technologies can help in saving
commuting time for the companies. Roy Transport company can save
enormous time by employing autonomous technologies or vehicles for
transportation and logistics services (Fagnant & Kockelman 2015).

4.2 Challenges in using autonomous vehicles

Liability issues: autonomous vehicles present number of insurance and
liability challenges. In case of vehicles accident, liability of insurance
companies, auto makers and auto owner is an issue which needs to be
resolved (Kirkpatrick 2015).
Infrastructure issues: Reliable evolvement of self-driving cars will need
several infrastructure changes in roadways, signage and so forth which is
another issue in using autonomous vehicle. Roy Transport Company offers
services all over Australia and in certain remote areas or low populates
areas, road infrastructure can pose challenges for autonomous vehicles
(NCD 2015).
Security issues: Autonomous vehicles use data intensive applications. It
is possible for hackers to hack the sensitive data and cause lifethreatening accidents which is a major issue in the use of autonomous
vehicles. Misuse of the technology to release the private information from
networked autonomous vehicles create privacy issues (NCD 2015).
Technological issues: Autonomous vehicles are equipped with number of
advanced technologies related to sensing, navigation and networking
which make them expensive. In addition, these technologies combines
number of software, hardware and information systems which make them
vulnerable to software and hardware failure (NCD 2015).
Regulatory issues: It is very important to have a solid regulatory
framework for guiding liability and usage concerns related to autonomous
vehicles (Baker & Wagner 2013). Different states might have different
regulatory frameworks which directs the use of autonomous vehicles
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which is another issue of concern. Roy Transport Company is an interstate

transport company and conforming to the regulatory requirements of all
the states might not be feasible and practical (Kirkpatrick 2015).
Ethical issues: Use of autonomous vehicles can present several ethical
dilemmas related to the ability of technology to make decisions like
humans and coping with the different road situations. Many further
advances in software and information system is still required to cope with
these ethical dilemmas. For example ability to differentiate between road
objects and human so that appropriate decisions can be made in the case
of emergency situations (Kirkpatrick 2015).

5. Report findings:
The report has addressed the idea of self-driving vehicles, its usage, benefits,
potential challenges, ethical dilemma and liability issues in the context of Roy
Transport Company. Several findings based on the report contents can be
presented. Idea of self-driving cars is capable of revolutionising the transport and
logistics industry. It has been found that number of autonomous technologies are
available in market and can be implemented by Roy Transport Company.
Dependence on human element will decrease over time however level 2 and
level 3 autonomous vehicles are available commercially and can be adopted by
companies. One of the findings of report reveal that use of autonomous vehicles
will certainly improves road safety and reduces the chances of accidents caused
by human error. Another finding of the report states that fuel efficiency and
vehicle mobility will be enhanced by the use of autonomous vehicles which can
further improve the overall business performance. On the other side, it has been
found that number of challenges such as privacy issues, liability issues and
technological issues are also present in the autonomous vehicles adoption.
Number of regulatory issues are being imposed by state and federal
governments on the use of autonomous vehicles.

6. Recommendations:
Roy Transport Company can be recommended with number of suggestions based
on the analysis carried out in report and findings of the report. Given the wide
range of crucial benefits provided by autonomous technologies and vehicles Roy
Transport Company is suggested to consider the use of autonomous vehicles and
technologies to expand its business. In the future several improvements in
autonomous vehicles and technologies are anticipated thus the company is likely
to benefit from these advances in near future. In addition, Roy transport
company is advised to conduct an in depth analysis and examination of current
regulatory requirements regarding autonomous vehicle use so that it can use
these vehicles in efficient manner by following these requirements. Moreover,
other issues related to ethical, liability and privacy need sufficient attention
before the company decide to employ autonomous technologies in its business.
To conclude, there is no doubt that autonomous vehicles will change the world of
transportation and logistics for Roy Transport Company. Senior management and
executives should do more research on the types of autonomous vehicles which
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are commercially available as well as their unique features and cost so that
investment can be made accordingly.

7. References:
Baker, R & Wagner, J 2013, Policy pathways to vehicle automation: Industry
perspectives on the role of public policy in autonomous vehicle development,
in International Conference on Connected Vehicles and Expo (ICCVE) 2013,
pp.431-436, 2-6 Dec. 2013.
Cohen, R 2015, Self-driving technology and autonomous vehicles: A whole new
world for potential product liability discussion, Defense Counsel Journal, pp. 328334.
Dhanasingaraja, R, Kalaimagal, S & Muralidharan, G 2014, Autonomous vehicle
navigation and mapping system, International Journal of Innovative Research in
Science, Engineering and Technology, vol. 3, pp. 1347-1350.
DHL 2014, Self-driving vehicles in logistics, viewed 16 January 2016,
http://www.delivering-tomorrow.de/wpcontent/uploads/2015/08/dhl_self_driving_vehicles.pdf
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Fagnant, D & Kockelman, K 2015, Preparing a nation for autonomous vehicles:

opportunities, barriers and policy recommendations, Transport Research Part A:
Policy and Practice, vol. 77, pp. 167-181
Insaurralde, C 2013, Autonomic computing technology for autonomous marine
vehicles, Journals of Ocean Engineering, vol. 74, pp. 233-246.
Kirkpatrick, K 2015, The moral challenges of driverless cars, Communications of
the ACM, vol. 58, pp. 19-20.
Lee, D & Pokutta, S 2015, Toward a science of autonomy for physical systems:
Transportation, Computing Community Consortium, pp. 1-7
NCD 2015, Self-driving cars: Mapping access to a technology revolution, viewed
13 January 2016,
https://www.ncd.gov/sites/default/files/NCD_AutomatedVehiclesReport_508PDF.pdf
Perch, J 2015, Self-driving trucks could transform logistics, viewed 16 January
2016, https://www.dmv.com/blog/Self-driving-trucks-could-transform-logistics521253
Roy, D, Krishnamurthy, A, Heragu, S & Malmborg, C 2015, Stochastic models for
unit-load operations in warehouse systems with autonomous vehicles, Analysis
of Operations Research, vol. 231, pp. 129-155.
ZF 2015, Autonomous vehicles will need 3D, 360-degree sensing and better
object recognition, viewed 13 January 2016, http://safety.trw.com/autonomousvehicles-will-need-3d-360-degree-sensing-and-better-object-recognition/0605/

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