One truck paces another. They change lanes. They both stop.
The technological sophistication involved is impressive but it’s not exactly a spectator sport. That all changed this week along with my perspective. I went from spectator to active platooner.
During a demonstration at Navistar’s New Carlisle, Ind., proving grounds I was able to ride along as two ProStars synched up for a couple semi-autonomous laps around the track.
The demonstration lead rig led the other at a gap of about 20 meters, which the trailing driver could adjust on a sliding scale. Once the lead driver accepted the request to join the platoon, he was in charge of vehicle input, including acceleration, braking and steering. The second truck is controlled by radio frequency signals from the lead tractor.
While the guy in the front is calling all the shots, truck No. 2 isn’t solely at his mercy. The trailing driver can at any time take over control of his truck by hitting any of the pedals or simply leaving the platoon, which severs the radio connection. If he wanted to brake, all he has to do is step on the pedal. The truck would respond as it normally would.
