This year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) introduced new automated technologies for agriculture, cruise and construction industry. These include self-docking boats, autonomous tractors and AI-enhanced robotic golf carts. However, these advancements lag far behind the automotive industry. Experts believe that full adoption of self-driving cars may still take more than a decade.
CES 2025: New step in automation, but challenges remain
This week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2025) held in the US introduced the world to new automated technologies for agriculture, boating and construction industry. While the automotive industry is preparing to put self-driving cars on the road, the road to automation is still long in these other industries.
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CES The event showcased self-driving tractors, autonomous construction site dump trucks, self-docking boats and AI-enhanced robotic golf carts.
“The problems get even more complicated when it comes to automation on the road,” said Barry Lunn, CEO of sensor company Provizio. He further explained that sudden actions of other drivers, pedestrians, and unforeseen events, called “edge cases,” make these technologies challenging.
Automation in Maritime Transport:
David Foulkes, CEO of Brunswick Shipbuilding Company, highlighted the challenges faced in maritime transport. He says elements such as rain, low light and sea salt can interfere with hardware.
At the show, Brunswick introduced an automated docking system that features six stereoscopic cameras inspired by drone technology. However, he also said that most boating enthusiasts prefer to drive the boat themselves, but when it comes to bringing the boat to the shore, this technology can prove to be very helpful.
Self-driving cars on the road:
Companies like Google’s Waymo are making rapid progress in this field. Waymo has started robotaxi services in three cities of America, but they are also facing security challenges. Recently in San Francisco, a female passenger was harassed by another vehicle chasing a self-driving taxi.
Jeff Jury, Senior Vice President of Automotive Multimedia Technology Division of Harman International, believes that the dream of complete automation will take 10 to 15 years to come true.
Prospects for the future: Experts believe that self-driving technology will not be limited to highways only. Its use in agriculture and construction sector will increase working productivity.
Safety priority: Companies will have to invest more to solve “edge cases”.
Our Opinion: While this journey of automated technology is quite exciting, it is important to ensure security and technical stability before bringing it into the mainstream.
