US firm to roll out 'platooning' tech

Following a recent successful trial of automated truck 'platooning' technology, US firm Peloton Technology is nearing the roll-out of its first commercial system

Californian company Peloton Technology recently showcased its two-truck platooning technology to authorities in the US state of Nevada, with two trucks utilising the latest in vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technology and forward collision avoidance systems to successfully pair up over a stretch of interstate highway near Reno.

The demo precedes the initial commercial roll-out of the system, which Peloton says will be made at the end of May 2014.

The technology allows the second truck to follow the first at a far closer distance than would otherwise be safe, the grouping of the vehicles then realising significant benefits in terms of drag and subsequent fuel savings.

The system draws on forward-looking radar, intelligent braking and V2V communications to manage the feat which, in a two-truck test conducted last year with transport firm C.R. England (pictured), led to a 4.5 per cent increase in fuel economy for the lead truck and a 10 per cent increase in fuel economy for the following truck.

Once in play, and only if the road conditions permit, the technology sees the active safety systems of both trucks linked, while a display in the following truck gives a view ahead via the lead truck's forward-facing camera.

Of crucial importance to the Peloton system is the reduced reaction time of the second vehicle. A driver typically needs one to two seconds to react to a change in circumstance, but with the Peloton system the following truck automatically reacts in just a fraction of a second.

While the system manages the trucks' acceleration and braking, the drivers involved retain control of the vehicles' steering at all times.

While initially reticent about the safety implications for the technology, representatives from the Nevada Highway Patrol and Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles said they were impressed with the system and its benefits.

Peloton Technology says it's developing a nation-wide network that will allow it to co-ordinate trucks fitted with the technology, enabling it to pair up trucks – even those from different fleets – from one central control desk.

The company says it's already in talks with over a dozen fleets and will deliver the technology to its first client in coming weeks.

US firm to roll out 'platooning' tech

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