US-based Locomation, which created the world’s first trucking technology platform to offer human-guided autonomous convoying, has agreed to conduct a research project with the Transportation Research Center.
This will see Locomation test its autonomous truck platforms alongside TRC’s own extensive research and development team in order to drive further innovation on the testing and validation of Locomation’s autonomy technology.
Dr Cetin Mericli, CEO of Locomation, says: “Locomation is proud of our leadership in the growing field of autonomous trucking and we are confident that our partnership with TRC will get us to an even higher level. Our emphasis remains on developing, improving and perfecting our autonomous systems and TRC is a top destination to rigorously test and validate our technology. It’s a world-renowned destination and we are excited to greatly increase our presence there.”
Locomation’s research will be conducted at TRC’s new 540-acre SmartCenter for testing advanced automotive and mobility technologies.
The SmartCenter provides high-speed straightaways and cityscape simulations, providing a variety of intersection types, roundabouts, access ramps and other navigational situations that a vehicle would encounter in everyday driving.
By creating the ideal environment for autonomous vehicle and smart highway research, the SmartCenter allows unrivalled opportunities to test their technologies in a safe, secure and repeatable real-world environment, all before these vehicles and components are rolled out onto public roads and highways.
In addition, the Locomation team and TRC’s engineering staff will work together to improve the company’s autonomous trucking platform through rigorous analyses and observations derived from TRC’s 45 years of experience with autonomous testing.
Brett Roubinek, president and CEO of TRC, says: “We are excited Locomation will use our state-of-the-art test facilities alongside our industry-leading team of engineers and technicians for extensive validation and verification of advanced vehicle technologies for automated driving.”
