AASHTO Journal - Ohio DOT, Indiana DOT Help Test Autonomous Trucks

A pair of tractor-trailers with automated truck platooning technology recently began traveling I-70 between Indianapolis and Columbus, OH, to deliver freight for EASE Logistics; part of a pilot test collaboration between the Ohio Department of Transportation’s DriveOhio initiative and the Indiana Department of Transportation to advance the adoption of truck automation technologies in the logistics industry across the Midwest.

[Above photo by the Ohio DOT]

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 – with human operators in the driver’s seat of both trucks throughout the deployment and can turn off the technology system and take over as needed.

The trucks are also equipped with cameras and sensors for object detection that enable the following vehicle to automatically adjust its speed, or stop, if another vehicle or object moves in between the trucks. Because the follower truck travels at a closer distance than is typical, the trucks will have a purple light on the cab that is illuminated when they’re in platooning mode to alert law enforcement that they are digitally connected.

While the majority of automated vehicle testing to date has been done in regions with warmer and more predictable weather, the two state departments of transportation said it is “crucial” to assess this technology’s performance in adverse weather conditions in the Midwest.

“Everything we do at Ohio DOT is driven by safety [and] we’re committed to reducing deaths on our roadways and vehicle automation technologies can be part of the solution,” explained Ohio DOT Director Pam Boratyn in a statement. “Many 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.”

“Harnessing truck automation technology is one of many innovative safety efforts [we have] underway,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist. “In partnership with Ohio, our goal is to create a safer, lower-stress environment for all drivers.”

“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, vice president 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,” Factor added.

“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,” he said. “This marks a significant step forward in bringing scalable, next-generation automation to the industries that keep the nation moving.”

Funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, this multi-year $8.8 million project aims to deploy varying levels of automation and integrate these technologies into truck fleets’ daily freight-hauling operations. Later in 2025, Ohio DOT and INDOT plan to release a “Request for Proposals” for additional deployments of automated trucks in their respective states.