Outside of mines or just in mines? I know that mines are becoming more automated but what about commercial routes.

I think you’re missing the general point.

In the cases you’ve described, having automated semis would not be feasible. Automated cars already have a hard time in San Fran and AZ cities with smooth asphalt as it is.

The places where automated semis make the most sense, i.e. large, well maintained highways connecting large urban centres, can be better served with automated railways.

The engineering is much simpler, fewer degrees of freedom and a much more constrained problem space (and hence constrained solution space), for automated railways than highways. Creating a safer environment for all. Also not having to deal with semis as an individual driver.

Railways (funded through private investment): https://www.aar.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/AAR-Rail-Network-Map-2025-1.jpg.webp

Highways (publicly owned, operated, maintained): https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/images/nhs.pdf

There is some good coverage with railroads, but as you said not nearly extensive as the public road network. But I bet you the vast majority (above 60%) are along corridors with railways. However two big hurdles need to be overcome, greater investment in throughput capacity and the fact that trucks can go from ware house to ware house.

However both issues can be solved.

Privatize gains, socialize losses. The Capitalist^TM way!

Why not make automated trains with their own dedicated right of way?

Nice!

LOL is your profile pic the The Deprogram podcast thumbnail icon?

This is awesome!