On the busy route between Beijing and Tianjin port, massive lorries roar down the highway—not driven by human hands, but by advanced technology navigating the roads with precision.
Though government regulations mandate a safety driver in the seat, the trucks operate independently, leading analysts to predict a future where human intervention is no longer required.
For Huo Kangtian, a 32-year-old safety driver, the experience of letting go of the wheel for the first time is both thrilling and unsettling. Initially, he controls the vehicle manually, but with the press of a few buttons, the powerful truck takes over, cruising at high speed toward Tianjin.
“I was nervous the first time,” he admits. “But after extensive testing and observation, I trust the technology. It’s surprisingly efficient and safe.”
Even as the lorry veers off the highway toward a toll gate, the autonomous system remains in control. Only when crossing the checkpoint does Huo reclaim command with another button press.
“My role is the final safeguard,” he explains. “In an emergency, I must be ready to intervene instantly to ensure safety.”
Despite concerns about automation displacing drivers, Huo finds the experience less stressful, allowing him to rest and even focus on secondary tasks. Instead of fearing obsolescence, he views the shift as an evolution—one that makes his job more dynamic.
When pressed about whether self-driving trucks could one day replace human drivers entirely, he gives a measured response:
“I don’t know. Time will tell.”
