A pair of automated semi-trucks utilizing military technology will be showcasing their capabilities by following a lead vehicle from Columbus, Ohio, to Indianapolis. The Indiana Department of Transportation teamed up with the Ohio Department of Transportation to test the technology’s effectiveness in the Midwest, which experiences more unpredictable weather conditions compared to traditional testing locations.
The technology, developed by Kratos Defense, electronically links the trucks to a lead vehicle, allowing them to precisely follow its path. Despite professional drivers being behind the wheel at all times, the technology can be turned off if needed. According to Maynard Factor, VP of Business Development at Kratos Defense, the use of U.S. military technology can address logistical challenges in sectors like agriculture, energy, and mining.
The goal of the project is to increase safety, strengthen supply chain resilience, and ensure economic vitality by demonstrating how automated driving systems can perform well in all-weather conditions. Each driver involved in testing the technology underwent 260 hours of training before hitting the road.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has provided funding for the project, with plans to expand automated truck integration in daily freight operations in Indiana and Ohio. The ultimate goal is to increase safety on interstates by reducing human error.
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