FleetDrive Issue 49 - October 2024 | Page 4

Rise of AI and Its Impact on Fleet : Insights from Industry Leaders

WORDS BY HANNU MATIKAINEN

Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) is rapidly transforming the fleet and automotive industries , much like the internet and smartphones did in previous decades . At the recent AFLA Conference , industry experts Mike Branch from Geotab and Gautam Kunapuli from Motive explored how AI , particularly Generative AI , is poised to reshape fleet management . Here ’ s a breakdown of the key takeaways from their discussion on the future of AI in fleet operations .

AI ’ s current role in fleet management has already proven its worth , especially in areas like !
Predictive Maintenance : AI tools can monitor vehicle data to predict potential breakdowns before they happen , minimising downtime and improving fleet longevity .
Driver Behaviour & Safety : AI is being used to track and analyse driver behaviour , enabling fleet managers to promote safer driving habits and reduce accident risks .
Fleet Efficiency : Through route optimisation and better resource management , AI helps companies reduce costs while maximising output .
Worksite Operations : AI-driven tools are optimising worksite logistics , enhancing workflow , and ensuring smoother day-to-day operations .
Beyond traditional AI , Generative AI is unlocking new possibilities for fleet managers !
Support Agents : AI-powered virtual assistants can handle routine queries and tasks , freeing up human resources .
In-Vehicle Assistance : Real-time insights and support provided directly to drivers help enhance decision-making and ensure smoother journeys .
Analytics Assistance : Generative AI can process vast amounts of data , providing actionable insights without the need for complex programming .
Synthetic Video for Model Training : AI can generate synthetic scenarios to train fleet models , improving vehicle performance in real-world situations .
Report Automation : Time-consuming reporting tasks can be automated with AI , allowing fleet managers to focus on strategic decisions .
Driver Coaching : Generative AI offers real-time coaching to drivers , improving performance and safety on the road .
For AI to be widely adopted in the fleet industry , trust is critical . The session highlighted the core elements that build confidence in AI :
Transparency : Fleet managers must understand
4 ISSUE 49 OCTOBER 2024 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU