A new technology company has entered the trucking scene with a communication tool that aims to improve driver safety and retention. Ten5 Inc. has joined the market with the launch of its hands-free voice assistant that uses proprietary voice technology and artificial intelligence to make it easier for drivers to communicate safely with fleet back offices while on the road.
Ten5 CEO Drew Ryder said most fleet communications today are text based or via phone call, both of which can be ineffective, inefficient and distracting.
The Ten5 voice platform removes those communication barriers.
“The main goal here was that we wanted to make it completely hands-free with no level of distraction so they're not having to look down at the device and touch things,” Ryder said.
The Ten5 voice platform functions for drivers via an app that runs on any Android device such as an ELD on a tablet in the cab of the truck. Drivers activate the system the same way they would use Alexa, Google or Siri by saying “Hey Ten5” to wake up the device. They then tell the system what type of message they want to send – urgent, comment or complaint – and speak their message. Once the platform detects the driver has finished their message, it replays their voice message and asks if they want to send it.
Once a driver sends a message, it is routed to their dispatcher or fleet manager, who can then respond or forward the message on to another admin like the safety director, maintenance manager or HR, for example, who is more equipped to answer the driver’s message. The platform functions for back-office staff via web browser, and all that’s needed is a computer that has a microphone and speaker.
