Platoon of Driverless Trucks Test Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC)

A platoon of driverless trucks equipped with Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC) appeared on the 110 freeway in San Pedro. The system controls speed, braking, and spacing of the convoy. The goal is to increase safety and fuel economy.

Three big rigs barrelled up and down the 110 Freeway on Wednesday, mirroring one another in a tight pattern. Two of the Volvo big rigs bore special antennas to “talk” to one another and radar that can detect movement around them. They were accelerating and navigating without human help.

It was only a test, but the partially automated trucks provided a peek into the future of long-haul trucking. The demonstration’s sponsors hope it provides a step toward completely automated transport in the years ahead.

“It’s smooth, safe and efficient,” said Carrie Brown, Caltrans’ district director for Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Using what’s called “cooperative adaptive cruise control,” the heavy trucks drive tightly together, responding to one another and their surroundings with computerized sensors, saving fuel and releasing fewer emissions. Well-plotted trips would also ease congestion, experts believe.

“Simply put,” she said, “the trucks are driving as a stable unit.”

The demo team acknowledged there are kinks to work out. For instance, the communication system needs to be protected from interference from outside systems, so the security needs to be shored up.

At one point in the test a driver had to take over, but this is an excellent start.

It will not take more than a few years to work out any problems. Click on the link at the top for a video.

Mike “Mish” Shedlock