TANK Ai: a fleet game-changer?

Heil Trailer, a global manufacturer of specialty transport trailers based in the US, has launched TANK Ai, a smart trailer management system designed to improve safety, efficiency, and fleet performance. It also enhances driver accountability, streamlines record-keeping, and reduces paperwork.

TANK Ai integrates real-time monitoring, automated maintenance alerts, and solar backup power, offering a more data-driven approach to managing tank trailers. This technology brings together multiple features to enhance trailer safety, reduce downtime, and improve operational efficiency. The system provides real-time data on trailer performance, enabling operators to make informed decisions and address potential issues before they escalate.

At the core of TANK Ai is the AirBoxOne system, developed by Drōv Technologies. This serves as the central hub, allowing seamless communication between the trailer, drivers, and fleet managers. By connecting sensors and components, it ensures that essential information is available when required. The system employs cloud-based communication to send alerts and updates in real-time. If an issue arises – such as a drop in tyre pressure or an ABS fault – the driver is notified via a mobile app, allowing for quicker responses and potentially preventing breakdowns or accidents.

A notable feature of TANK Ai is its backup power system, which includes solar panels that recharge a backup battery. This ensures that monitoring systems remain operational – even in remote areas where access to traditional power sources may be limited. The system also includes rearview cameras and proximity sensors to improve visibility and security, assisting drivers with manoeuvres such as reversing and parking. These features can help mitigate the risk of accidents and improve overall road safety.

TANK Ai also reduces tyre wear and improves fuel efficiency.The system continuously monitors and automatically adjusts tyre pressure, ensuring optimal inflation levels. By doing so, it extends tyre life, lowers fuel consumption, and reduces maintenance costs over time. In addition, it monitors wheel-end vibration and temperature, providing early warnings of potential mechanical issues that could lead to costly repairs if left unaddressed. The system includes ABS fault notifications, brake pressure monitoring, and loading/unloading security checks. 

What makes TANK Ai special?

Unlike conventional fleet management systems that primarily focus on location tracking, TANK Ai provides a more comprehensive solution by monitoring trailer health and safety conditions in real time. Features such as real-time tyre pressure management, proactive maintenance alerts, and continuous load monitoring differentiate it from many existing systems. Moreover, the integration of multiple functions into a single platform can streamline operations for fleet managers and drivers alike.

From a safety and compliance standpoint, TANK Ai offers benefits that are particularly relevant for South African transport operators. Road conditions in certain regions can be unpredictable, and long-haul routes often take commercial vehicles far from service centres, so a system that provides real-time monitoring and proactive alerts has the potential to help fleet operators reduce vehicle downtime and schedule maintenance more efficiently. The solar-powered backup system may also prove valuable in areas where access to consistent power sources is unreliable. Additionally, with South Africa’s strict commercial vehicle maintenance regulations, the detailed monitoring capabilities of TANK Ai may assist transport operators in ensuring regulatory compliance.

While TANK Ai introduces several useful advancements, its overall effectiveness will depend on how well it integrates into existing fleet management practices and how widely it is adopted. Although the system provides a high level of data visibility and control, its long-term impact will ultimately be measured by its ability to deliver tangible benefits in real-world fleet operations. For transport operators considering new technology to improve efficiency and safety, TANK Ai offers an option worth evaluating, particularly in regions where maintaining