Does AI have a place in international transport?

I will not lie to you, 1% of this article has been handled by artificial intelligence. It has taken the entire article, run it through a processor and checked for errors and omissions, removed anything that made no sense to the tone or subject I am writing about.

With the continuous technological innovations, the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various industries has been making headlines for quite a while now. The transport sector is no exception. The interest in exploring the possibilities of applying AI in transportation has been growing, and it raises the question, "Does AI have a place in international transport?"

I say yes, it can be used in many ways, some have high risks whereas others can be extremely beneficial, not just in transport, but in most modern-day workplaces.

Before we delve into the question, it is first worth talking about what AI actually is.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a buzzword that we hear quite often these days. It is a revolutionary technology that is transforming the world in unprecedented ways. From intelligent assistants to self-driving cars, AI has a vast range of applications. However, many people still don't fully understand what AI is and how it works. Artificial Intelligence refers to the ability of machines or computers to learn, perceive, reason, and solve problems. AI systems work by collecting data and using algorithms to analyse and interpret the data to make intelligent decisions. The primary goal of Artificial Intelligence is simulating human intelligence and replicating human-like behaviour such as understanding language, recognising images and objects, decision-making, and problem-solving.

There are three types of AI: Narrow or Weak AI, General AI, and Super AI. Narrow or weak AI is designed to perform specific tasks such as image recognition, language translation or speech recognition. General AI, on the other hand, refers to AI systems that can perform any intellectual task that a human can do. Super AI, also known as Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), is an AI system that surpasses human intelligence and can perform any task that a human can do.

AI has a wide range of applications across various fields, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, transportation, and entertainment. Some of the most common applications of AI include intelligent personal assistants such as Siri and Alexa, chatbots, facial recognition systems, and predictive analytics tools.

So let us look at some of the areas where AI can play a part in the industry.

Improving Efficiency

One of the main advantages of AI in international transport is its ability to improve efficiency. AI can evaluate and optimise shipping routes, avoiding traffic and other obstacles that could slow down deliveries. This reduces shipment times, lowers operational costs, and improves customer satisfaction. AI can also be used to monitor cargo ships and planes, providing real-time status updates on shipments, which allows for more accurate tracking and delivery times.

Enhanced Safety

AI has the potential to improve safety across the transportation industry. Driverless cars and trucks can reduce the risk of accidents caused by human error. In addition, AI algorithms can process data from multiple sources, including traffic cameras and sensors, to identify potential safety hazards like poor weather conditions or roadblocks. By anticipating and addressing these problems, AI can help prevent accidents and incidents, reducing the risk of injury and loss of life.

It does raise some concerns; having driverless cars and trucks may on one hand reduce the human error, but it also removes the human eye for detail. A middle ground between human and AI where AI can be activated on motorways in my opinion, would be sufficient and suitable for the ever-changing environment we live in.

Job Displacement

As with any major technological shift, there are concerns about job displacement. The introduction of AI and automation could lead to the loss of jobs, particularly for those working in transportation and logistics. However, some argue that AI will create new jobs in areas such as software development, data analysis, and maintenance of AI systems. Moreover, AI can help relieve workers of repetitive and dangerous tasks, leading to safer and more comfortable working conditions.

I do feel that some form of regulations on the use of AI is needed in more detail. Some companies may adopt an approach of 1 AI to 10 staff, meaning job losses will happen, but having regulations preventing redundancies in these circumstances will ensure that human workers are still at the front and centre of workforce, and not a thing of the past.

Cybersecurity Risks

One of the major challenges that come with AI in international transport is cybersecurity. As transportation becomes more reliant on technology, it becomes more vulnerable to cyber threats. Hackers can exploit weaknesses in AI systems, causing costly and potentially dangerous disruptions to operations. To mitigate these risks, companies need to invest in robust cybersecurity measures and regularly update their systems to ensure they are secure.

For every fix, I seem to get informed about a hundred potential threats in cyber security. This is the modern world we live in, with companies doing everything they can to prevent data loss or theft, but maybe there is a solution in AI – having a robust system is great and by using AI as well as human factors, security can increase substantially.

Regulatory and Legal Implications

AI in international transport raises regulatory and legal implications. For example, who is liable in the case of an accident involving an autonomous vehicle? How can we ensure that AI systems comply with safety regulations or data privacy laws? As AI technology continues to evolve, regulators and lawmakers need to keep pace and develop policies to ensure AI systems are safe, secure, and ethical.

Intelligent logistics management

AI can help transportation companies with logistics management, including optimal route planning, monitoring assets in real-time and providing supply chain visibility. It also can predict maintenance requirements and fuel consumption, resulting in more effective and efficient transportation. This level of optimisation is impossible through human efforts alone, and the adoption of AI can save companies time and money; further to this, AI can play a role in enabling a more efficient route for drivers, this can cut costs on route planning.

Advanced customer service

Regardless of the mode of transportation, the customer is always king. AI can help with better customer service, giving people personalised and immediate attention. AI-powered chatbots are capable of handling customer inquiries, complaints, and requests seamlessly, freeing up the workforce to serve customers with more complex needs.

There will always be a level of human interaction in customer service, and I do not envisage this changing. I for one do like talking to the cashier in the coffee shop, and the person at the corner shop, why, because it builds a good customer relation with that company; but there does come a point where a small portion of those interactions could be perfect for AI.

The adoption of AI in the transport industry is no longer a question of if but when. Benefits like enhanced efficiency, safety, and customer service are potential drivers for the widespread use of AI in transportation. As the world continues to move towards a more digitised and connected future, AI will become an increasingly important aspect of the international transport sector. The industry must be willing to embrace these changes and work cohesively to maximise the benefits of AI while balancing the potential challenges. The future of international transport is set to be more precise, efficient, and customer-centric with the help of AI.