One of the biggest names in global deliveries, FedEx, has stated that automated technology and self-driving vans will play a major part in its future. According to FedEx Chief Information Officer, Rob Carter, automated technology and artificial intelligence will completely transform the delivery business. Carter is responsible for setting the technology agenda across FedEx’s various companies, which operate in 220 countries.

FedEx is already working with US technology company Peloton, whose semi-autonomous systems electronically link trucks into platoons. The software, which uses wireless vehicle-to-vehicle communication to enable the driver of a lead truck to control the acceleration and braking of a truck following behind, is designed to reduce wind resistance and save fuel. The technology is considered a significant step toward fully autonomous trucks, and Peloton has said it will release it in late 2017.