The modern truck is gradually evolving into a complex electronic system. Cameras, radar, GPS, sensors, and software are already assisting the driver in monitoring the road, maintaining lane position, keeping a safe distance, and spotting hazards in situations where a human might not be able to react in time.

At the same time, there is currently no talk of completely dispensing with the driver. In Europe, the primary focus today is on assisting the human operator rather than replacing them en masse with an autonomous control system.

What is already appearing in European trucks

Adaptive cruise control has become one of the key technologies. It uses distance sensors to automatically maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead. In some systems, such as MAN ACC Stop & Go , the truck is capable of slowing down and resuming movement on its own in traffic jams.

The next step is keeping the truck in its lane. A camera monitors road markings, and the electronics warn the driver if the vehicle begins to drift. More advanced systems are also capable of making slight steering corrections. Such features are already offered by MAN, Volvo Trucks, and Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

Significant attention is being paid to automatic emergency braking. If the system detects a risk of collision and the driver fails to react, the truck can issue a warning and automatically apply the brakes. Modern systems are also evolving to include the detection of pedestrians and cyclists.

A particular problem is dead zones.

The driver of a large truck physically cannot see the entire area around the vehicle. Therefore, manufacturers install additional cameras and sensors.

For example, Volvo Trucks uses the Active Side Collision Avoidance Support system, which is capable of detecting hazards to the side during a turn and intervening in the vehicle's control. Protecting cyclists in such situations was one of the specific areas Euro NCAP evaluated during its initial tests of heavy trucks.

Instead of conventional mirrors, some trucks are equipped with cameras and in-cab screens. These can improve visibility at night and reduce the number of areas the driver cannot see directly.


Cameras are also starting to monitor the driver.

Another area of focus is monitoring the condition of the person behind the wheel.

In 2025, Volvo introduced an updated Driver Alert Support system featuring a dedicated camera that tracks the driver's gaze. It can detect signs of distraction or drowsiness. As of November 2025, this system became standard on a range of Volvo heavy- and medium-duty trucks in the EU.

This is particularly important now, as European regulatory requirements are gradually becoming stricter. Starting in July 2026, the next phase of requirements will apply to new trucks in the EU, mandating systems that warn of driver distraction.

The GPS is also starting to control the truck.

Satellite positioning is used for more than just navigation. For instance, in 2025, Volvo introduced the "Safety Zones" feature: the system determines the truck's location via GPS and can automatically limit speed within predefined zones. Fleet operators can also set up their own restricted zones.

An interesting situation arises: the truck can now take into account not only what its cameras and radars see, but also its exact location.

Europe is gradually moving trucks toward automation.

European regulations have already made many safety systems mandatory for new vehicles. For trucks, these include, among others, lane departure warning systems, emergency braking, detection of pedestrians and cyclists in danger zones, tire pressure monitoring, and other features.

At the same time, manufacturers are working on more advanced automation. MAN, for instance, is considering a gradual transition from driver assistance to automated driving on specific routes and between logistics centers.

Thus, the European truck becomes a sort of "second driver": it monitors the road, controls distance, tracks the lane, detects hazards, monitors the driver's condition, and uses location data.

However, a fully autonomous truck remains a future step. Today, the primary goal of these technologies is not to remove the human from the cab, but to make the job safer and reduce the likelihood of error.

Sources: European Commission, EUR-Lex, Volvo Trucks, MAN Truck & Bus, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Euro