Partially automated tractor-trailers have started operating along the I-70 corridor, connecting Columbus and Indianapolis. This initiative is a collaborative effort by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Indiana Department of Transportation, aiming to enhance safety and efficiency on this major route.
The project, valued at $8.8 million, receives partial funding from the US Department of Transportation. It is designed to integrate automation technologies into trucking fleets across Ohio, representing a significant stride towards modernizing transportation infrastructure.
ODOT emphasizes that safety is the primary motivation behind these advancements. Many modern vehicles already incorporate automated driving systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic braking, all intended to enhance safety and alleviate driver fatigue.
The trucks involved in this project, operated by EASE Logistics, utilize platooning technology. This system allows the driver of the lead truck to control the speed and direction of a second vehicle. Despite this automation, each truck is staffed with drivers who can manually override the system when necessary, ensuring maximum safety and control at all times.
