Amidst challenges for autonomous trucks on highways, the utilisation of self-driving technology is gaining ground in freight yards, warehouses, and seaports. Companies like Kimberly-Clark and Newell Brands praise the effectiveness of autonomous forklifts in sustaining operations during labour shortages, ensuring smooth product flow to stores. While the market for autonomous freight yard trucks remains small, ABI Research projects a substantial growth rate from 2022 to 2030. The technology is being applied indoors, offering a controlled environment without the unpredictable elements of public roads. This shift towards automation within industrial settings stems from labour scarcity and increased wages, prompting logistics companies to embrace reliable autonomous solutions. Kimberly-Clark and Newell Brands testify to the benefits, reporting improved efficiency and cost savings from hundreds of autonomous forklifts deployed in their operations. Despite the advancements in warehouses, challenges persist, with technology companies aiming to extend success to varied outdoor operations, foreseeing advancements in the commercialization of autonomous systems in the latter half of 2024.

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