The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) have started a project testing automated driving technology with semi trucks.

What's happening: On Monday, April 14th, two semi trucks began operating between Indianapolis, Indiana, and Columbus, Ohio. They are using automated platooning technology, which lets one truck lead while the other follows automatically, keeping safe distances.

• Both trucks have CDL drivers on board to oversee the technology and take control if needed.
• The trucks alert nearby drivers and law enforcement with a purple light when in platooning mode.

Impact on truckers: This initiative aims to explore how these systems could enhance safety and reliability in freight operations. However, the trucking community remains cautious about such technological advancements.

Financial support: The project is backed by an $8.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to test this technology further in various weather conditions.

Future plans: Both INDOT and ODOT are looking to expand the use of this automated technology with more deployments scheduled later this year, reported Fox 59.

This study could pave the way for broader use of automated tech in trucking, recognizing the vital role truckers play in keeping supply chains moving while underscoring the industry's ongoing challenges with new technology.