Eligibility Requirements

To participate, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Be 21 years or older
• Possess a valid Class-A or Class-B Commercial Driver’s License
• Currently work as a driver of large vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, straight trucks, construction trucks, or buses
• Be willing to use a simulator at VTTI’s facility in Blacksburg, Virginia
• Not experience motion sickness

Study Details

Drivers will operate one of two types of simulators during an extended study session. Please note that no actual driving on public roadways is involved. The session will last up to 17 hours, including scheduled breaks.

Participants will be video-monitored throughout the session, with recording focused on their face, hands, and the steering wheel. Additionally, participants will need to complete a series of questionnaires.

Compensation

Those who complete the entire study session will receive $975 as compensation for their time and participation.

This study is sponsored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

How to Apply

If you or someone you know is interested in participating, contact VTTI at 540-231-1277 or email cdldrivers@vtti.vt.edu. Be sure to mention the “Truck Team” study when inquiring for more information.

Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to advancements in commercial trucking technology while earning extra money!

Image Source: Virginia Tech Transportation Institute

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Advancing Automation with Strategic Cooperation

This initiative stems from a partnership between the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)’s DriveOhio program and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). The goal? Pave the way for broader adoption of automation in the American Midwest’s logistics sector.

Historically, testing for automated vehicles has been concentrated in regions with stable, predictable weather. However, ODOT emphasizes the necessity of validating these systems under harsher conditions to ensure safety and reliability, particularly in environments like the Midwest, which is prone to adverse weather patterns.

How Platooning Works

The two Ease Logistics trucks are equipped with advanced platooning technology from Kratos Defense. This system electronically links the two vehicles, allowing the lead truck’s driver to manage both speed and steering for its partner vehicle. During stretches of the trips, the follower truck will automatically handle essential functions like steering, braking, and adjusting speed.

Despite the automated capabilities, professional drivers always remain in the driver’s seats of both trucks. These drivers can take complete control of their vehicles if needed by disabling the automated systems.

“At Kratos, we have adapted advanced automated truck platooning technology — originally developed for the U.S. military — to address critical challenges facing commercial logistics, agriculture, energy, and mining sectors, all vital to national security,” said Maynard Factor, VP of Business Development at Kratos Defense. “This project offers a real-world opportunity to demonstrate how proven automated driving systems can increase safety, strengthen supply chain resilience, and ensure economic vitality.”

Factor also highlighted the value of demonstrating these systems along the Columbus-to-Indianapolis corridor, noting the importance of testing in complex, variable weather conditions. “to showcase performance in complex, all-weather conditions essential to Midwest freight operations and accelerates readiness for broad adoption.”

Smarter Trucks for Safer Roads

The trucks are also outfitted with cutting-edge sensors and cameras that allow the following vehicle to detect objects and adjust speed or stop if anything enters the space between the two trucks. Unlike traditional truck formations, the closely-platooned follower truck maintains a much shorter gap than usual. To ensure transparency, a purple light on the cab indicates when the platooning mode is engaged, alerting law enforcement and nearby drivers that the trucks are digitally connected.

Funding and Broader Goals

This deployment is just one element of a multi-year, $8.8 million endeavor funded partly by a U.S. Department of Transportation grant. The overarching aim is to integrate platooning and other automation technologies into regular freight-hauling workflows, experimenting with various automation levels to uncover their full potential in trucking fleets.

Source:  Commerical Carrier Journal
Source Image: SAE International

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