When we hear the term “STEM” it is usually from educators and administrators talking about the use of STEM in their schools and programs.

STEM – which stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – is a term used when referring to any of these related academic disciplines. When we hear about STEM we often think about computers and robotics, as well as other new and emerging technologies.

Now, think about STEM as it relates to the trucking industry. Have we ever looked at a truck or tractor-trailer going down the road and thought, “STEM?”

The reality behind the truck

Think about all the people it takes to come up with a new concept for a truck. A new concept requires the designing, building, testing, and manufacturing of that truck. All types of engineers, draftsmen, finance and accounting personnel, systems developers, and many others help to make a truck. All of these people, plus many support personnel, are associated with STEM in some way.

Think about the number of hours, months and, sometimes, years it takes to bring a design to reality. Add to that the manufacturing, gaining support from suppliers, along with the processes and procedures developed to build a truck.

Many may not think of a truck as technology or the innovation behind the development of these vehicles. But, to most folks, a truck is just a truck.

The reality is there are various people with talent and educational degrees needed to make a truck. Everybody has their own part of the project or system or component.

In the end, there is one person who must understand and work on every part and system of this truck – the technician. Compared to the numerous people with their various educational backgrounds who created this vehicle, something doesn’t seem right.

Adjusting priorities

Is it time we step back and possibly adjust priorities? In meetings, conferences, and industry articles we hear about new and emerging technologies like autonomous and electric vehicles. All of the people and brainpower working on these technologies, yet the industry has hardly discussed developing and training the folks who are going to have to repair and maintain these vehicles.

Maybe it’s time as an industry to promote the truck and trailer as STEM. That way, it may get the attention of those in the STEM disciplines. If we break down all the systems and components built into a truck or trailer, and the amount of communication that travels throughout those vehicles, it is all STEM.

For example, look at the addition of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to commercial vehicles including examples like forward collision warning, blind-spot detection, lane change alerts, etc. These systems rely on cameras and sensors to be calibrated in order to work as designed. The most common are camera, radar, and ultrasonic sensors as well as a steering sensor to help determine the direction of vehicle travel. If any of the sensors get out of calibration or are disturbed by even minor contact, suspension repairs or alignment by as small as 1 degree, it could alter the system’s ability to “assist” and/or perform as designed.

Something as simple as a windshield replacement on vehicles requires re-calibration. This is STEM in our everyday lives. Nearly all vehicles on the road today have some level of this technology. Sadly, most people still see it as “just a truck.”

The tools and equipment used to diagnose and repair these trucks and systems will continue to advance. Tool manufacturers and technicians will work to stay current with the ever-changing technologies that are incorporated in trucks and trailers. When you hear things like Ohm’s Law, Pascal’s Law of Hydraulics, downforce, and the coefficient of drag and so on, you think of engineering, space travel, and other major science topics. But you don’t think about a truck pulling a trailer and what it takes to maintain it.

It’s time the industry works to educate the educators and drive the conversation on how STEM and trucking are more closely related.

George Arrants is the vice president for ASE Education Foundation. Arrants works with instructors and administrators to develop partnerships with local businesses and industries through program advisory committees. He is the past chair of the Technology and Maintenance Council’s TMCSuperTech – the National Technician Skills Competition – and TMCFutureTech – the National Student Technician Competition. His entire career has been in the automotive service and education industries.