Cooperative Truck Platooning System trials officially underway in Alberta
Data collection has begun for the nation’s first pair of artificially intelligent semi-trucks of their kind, which are part of a project studying the safety and benefits of connected commercial transportation on Canadian roadways.
The Alberta Motor Transport Association and partners’ Cooperative Truck Platooning System (CTPS) is shifting Canada’s commercial trucking industry into a future driven by safety, efficiency, and Connected Automated Driver Assistance Systems.
The trucks, first introduced for their trial phase September 2021 by the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) and partners, will be the focus of substantial data collection for on-road, human factor and fuel efficiency of traveling via platoon.
The trucks, affectionately dubbed “Daisy” and “Lily”, are 2020 Peterbilt 579s equipped with Pronto AI’s Co-pilot System, part of the Cooperative Truck Platooning System (CTPS) pilot project. Transport Canada provided $2.3 million in funding for this project, which also involves industry and research partnership with Bison Transport, Pronto, the University of Alberta, Solaris Fatigue Management, Tantus, PMG Technologies, Esso Commercial Cardlock and support from Alberta Transportation.
The trucks are operated by Bison Transport drivers – who have been training since September for the trials. The project includes ensuring platooning technology is tested for the safety of vehicle operators as well as the motoring public. The pilot will be unique in its study of human factor considerations and use during different seasons – including cold Alberta winters.
Driver-assist technology – provided by Pronto – will allow close-proximity following in platoon formation, reducing drag, and increasing fuel efficiency. Other sensors, radar and camera technology will end information between the trucks to ensure safe operations including, active braking and acceleration systems responding to any acceleration and deceleration by the lead vehicle.
Vehicle trials are taking place on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway from Calgary to Edmonton through April 2022. The trucks underwent performance testing at Transport Canada’s Motor Vehicle Test Centre in Blainville, QC in August 2021.
AMTA will continue to share updates on the CTPS trials throughout their duration.