--- title: Driverless trains may be the future of freight - The Hustle description: Driverless trains could play a big role in the future of freight, and help solve both the supply chain and sustainability crisis in the process. image: https://hs-sbup.thehustle.co/hubfs/The%20Hustle%20News/Assets/Images/311784106-News-Brief_2021-10-12T201230.888Z.webp --- # Driverless trains may be the future of freight ![Rob Litterst](https://thehustle.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Rob-Litterst-pic.png?width=48&height=48&name=Rob-Litterst-pic.png) [Rob Litterst](https://hs-sbup.thehustle.co/author/rob-litterst) [Rob Litterst Twitter profile ](https://twitter.com/robbylit) Published: October 13, 2021 Updated: October 11, 2023 *Source: *[*Sergey Kucherov / Getty Images*](https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/powerful-electric-locomotive-with-short-container-royalty-free-image/1208127989?adppopup=true) ![Driverless trains may be the future of freight](https://hs-sbup.thehustle.co/hs-fs/hubfs/The%20Hustle%20News/Assets/Images/311784106-News-Brief_2021-10-12T201230.888Z.webp?width=595&height=400&name=311784106-News-Brief_2021-10-12T201230.888Z.webp) Trains are already an underrated player in the US freight game. Some fun facts: - They account for ⅓ of the freight cargo in the US (almost as much as trucks) - They are 4-5x more efficient in energy used per mile than trucks Researchers believe autonomous trains could help [combat](https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-to-move-more-goods-through-americas-clogged-infrastructure-robot-trains-11633812291?mod=tech_lead_pos7) those pesky supply chain issues we’re having and the climate crisis, per *The Wall Street Journal*. #### **One reason they’re bullish? The technology already exists** Autonomous trains power many city metro systems, and the 1st autonomous freight train was launched in Australia in 2019. Researchers cite a range of benefits compared to human-driven trains: - Improved safety - Increased freight capacity - More efficient use of the rail system But going fully autonomous isn’t just the flip of a switch. The biggest challenge is whether they can coexist on rail networks with human-driven trains. #### **And like any new digital technology, cybersecurity is a risk** With trains weighing 4k-20k tons and sometimes carrying hazardous materials, a hack could have dire consequences. But if engineers can figure it out, model train enthusiasts may be able to take their chops from the [basement](https://www.wsj.com/articles/model-railroads-in-homes-11596731451) to the real world. 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