The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is partnering with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) this week, as they test a pair of tractor-trailers with automated truck platooning technology, which are driving from Columbus to Indianapolis along I-70.
The trucks, which also have professional drivers on board, are delivering shipments for Ease Logistics.
ODOT officials say that this test is important to help them assess the safety of using such vehicles in the Midwest, because the majority of automated vehicle testing to date has been done in regions with warmer and more predictable weather.
ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn explains, “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.“ In addition, she notes, “Man 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 EASE Logistics trucks are equipped with platooning technology provided by Kratos Defense that electronically links the two vehicles and allows the driver of the lead vehicle to control the speed and direction of the second truck, enabling it 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.
“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. Operating along the I-70 corridor between Ohio and Indiana enables us to showcase performance in complex, all-weather conditions essential to Midwest freight operations and accelerates readiness for broad adoption. This marks a significant step forward in bringing scalable, next-generation automation to the industries that keep the nation moving.”
