Tech news:Benz's self-driving semitruck is now on public roads,soon to be in Lagos high ways!!!

Thanks to Mercedes-Benz, long-haul trucking jobs are about to get real cushy.
Daimler's semitruck, called the Mercedes-Benz Actros, is now making autonomous journeys across Germany's public motorways with its "Highway Autopilot" system, becoming the first series production truck to do so.
If a self-driving truck sounds like the beginning of a sequel to the 1978 film Convoy, don't worry; a person has to remain behind the wheel. However, they will be a very relaxed person.
That's because
as soon as Actros crosses the onramp threshold onto the freeway, it displays the "Highway Autopilot On" message, alerting the driver that it is ready to take over control of the truck. The driver accepts the offer with the push of a button and Actros does the rest. With its forward-facing radar and stereo cameras, the truck is able to be "more alert and attentive than any driver," With its forward-facing radar and stereo cameras, the truck is able to be "more alert and attentive than any driver," Daimler says. Since all the sensors are onboard, Actros does not need an Internet connection to remain autonomous.

Watching the highway lane markers, Actros keeps precisely in the lanes. And with a virtual eye on the traffic ahead, it can slow with the flow of traffic or even apply hard braking, should another vehicle cut it off.
Though Actros is in control on the highway, the driver can always retake control of the truck at any time. However, unless something bizarre arrises, he or she might not want to; Actros can even handle the stresses of stop-and-go traffic without ever facing fatigue.
When the truck hits the desired exit, it offers control back to the driver as easily as it offered to take control miles ahead.

If you're wondering whether Actros' Highway Pilot will kill thousands of American jobs, you needn't fear. Instead of replacing truckers, in the short-term, Highway Pilot systems — when put into widespread application — will make truckers' jobs easier and safer. And such an implementation will likely come to the trucking industry sooner than you might think.
Trucking is driven by cost. More than keeping their trucks and drivers safe, on the road and on time, companies will love the efficiencies created by Highway Pilot. Simply put, computers are more efficient drivers than humans. Although such technology isn't yet legal, with the weight of the trucking industry behind it, it's likely legislation will be pushed through in a matter of years.....do you think its a nice thing to be driven by your own car while you sit and enjoy???...hit the button and comment now!...(mashable.com)