Russia's Ministry of Transport is revving up for a future where half of all vehicles on its roads drive themselves by 2050, Deputy Transport Minister Vladimir Poteshkin announced on Thursday at a press conference. 'Looking ahead to 2050, our projections indicate that around 50 percent of all transport vehicles will operate without drivers. Efforts are currently underway to create the necessary conditions for this,' he said.
Recent milestones are already paving the way. Earlier this year, an unmanned truck made its inaugural self-driven journey from St. Petersburg to Kazan – a 1,600-kilometer trip completed in 24 hours on expressways, with engineers on board only as a safety backup.
Meanwhile, fully autonomous freight operations have launched on key arteries near Moscow. In early April, driverless trucks hit the Central Ring Road, building on trials underway since 2023 on the M-11 Neva highway.
What's Driving the Shift?
- Safety and efficiency: Automated systems aim to reduce human error and improve fuel economy.
- Technological growth: Investments in AI, 5G connectivity and smart infrastructure support real-time navigation.
- Economic impact: Long-haul freight stands to cut costs, speed up deliveries and reshape logistics.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts, Russia's roadmap offers a glimpse into how emerging markets are embracing driverless tech at scale. As thought leaders and travelers, we'll be watching for the next breakthrough – whether on our city streets or the highways that connect our world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
