The states of Ohio and Indiana are collaborating to deploy partially automated trucks on Interstate-70, saying the move supports the adoption of truck automation technologies in the logistics industry across the Midwest.
The project is a collaboration between the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)’s DriveOhio initiative and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). The trucks involved are delivering shipments for Ease Logistics, a Dublin, Ohio-based supply chain and transportation solution provider.
Locating the route in the Midwest shows a change from typical automated vehicle testing grounds in Texas and Arizona, regions which provide warmer and more predictable weather. In contrast, the new roll-out will help the partners to assess technology performance in adverse weather conditions, they said.
That approach will eventually help to make highways safer for all drivers, they said. “Everything we do at ODOT is driven by safety. We’re committed to reducing deaths on our roadways and vehicle automation technologies can be part of the solution,” ODOT Director Pam Boratyn said in a release. “Many vehicles on the road today have some degree of automated driving systems including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic braking. All of these features are designed to improve safety and reduce driver stress.”
The trucks are operated by Ease Logistics and are equipped with platooning technology provided by Kratos Defense. The system links the two vehicles and allows the driver of the lead vehicle to control the speed and direction of the platoon, enabling the second truck to precisely follow the path of the leader. During portions of the I-70 trips, the follower truck will automatically steer, accelerate, and brake, supporting safe, efficient operation and consistent vehicle coordination. Professional drivers will be in the driver’s seat of both trucks throughout the deployment and can turn off the technology system and take over if needed.
The trucks are also equipped with cameras and sensors for object detection that enable the following vehicle to automatically adjust its speed, or stop, if another vehicle or object cuts in between the trucks. Because the follower truck travels at a closer distance than is typical, the trucks will have a purple light on the cab that is illuminated when they’re in platooning mode to alert law enforcement that they are digitally connected.
