To support safe implementation of automated driving system-equipped trucks in mixed fleet operations, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and Pronto are hosting a series of roadshows to engage the public and share information about the functionality, benefits, and limitations.
Although automated driving systems (ADS) for trucks promise increased safety, productivity, and efficiency, it is not clear how they should be integrated into fleet operations with conventional vehicles. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) has assembled a team of experts in the fields of ADS, data collection, safety data analysis, data repositories, naturalistic driving, roadway infrastructure, statistical methods, and truck fleet operations to develop and demonstrate a pragmatic Fleet Concept of Operations, or CONOPS. This CONOPS will provide the trucking industry with clear guidelines on how to safely implement—and benefit—from ADS-equipped trucks. Additionally, data from CONOPS real-world demonstrations will provide the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) with critical information to inform rulemaking regarding ADS-equipped trucks.
The roadshow will highlight demonstrations of ADS developed under the Trucking Fleet CONOPS project, a four-year, $10 million effort sponsored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Federal Highway Administration. The roadshow will showcase a live ride-and-drive for attendees to experience the capabilities of an ADS truck. Additionally, the roadshow will provide a behind-the-scenes look at ADS-equipped truck cross-country corridor operations, as well as a port queuing demonstration highlighting the safe deployment of ADS technologies in port operations.
The roadshow will showcase an innovative and interactive ride-and-drive for attendees to experience the capabilities of an ADS truck. Attendees will have the opportunity to ride in a Pronto ADS truck (with a safety driver) as it queues behind a traditional truck on a closed-course route. The ADS truck will navigate a workzone scenario along the route.