Peloton Technology Demonstrates Driver-Assistive Truck Platooning System on I-96

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Peloton Technology, a developer of connected and automated vehicle systems for U.S. and global freight carriers, hosted a live demonstration earlier this week of driver-assistive truck platooning on I-96 in Novi.

The demonstration was hosted in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Michigan State Police (MSP), and Michigan Economic Development Corp. and featured a pair of Peloton-equipped Volvo VNL670 class 8 trucks and connected vehicle technology, including Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communications.

The demonstration represented a key step on the path towards commercial development of the Peloton platooning system as the company continues to work with truck OEMs, safety suppliers, and leading fleets to refine its driver-assistive truck platooning system. The company is on track to deploy the system commercially during 2018.

“Michigan has been a national leader in the legislative approval of connected and automated

vehicles so we were excited to demonstrate the Peloton truck platooning system in the Detroit area as a stepping stone towards commercial deployment within the state” says Steve Boyd, Peloton co- founder and vice president of external affairs.

“The demonstration showed key Michigan leaders the safety, efficiency, and mobility benefits that this technology provides to fleets and the public. We look forward to our ongoing work with the State of Michigan and industry partners across the region as we bring driver-assistive truck platooning into commercial deployment.”

A new law in Michigan requires that platooning system providers submit a general operations plan to MDOT and the MSP. Following Michigan’s enactment of the law, Arkansas, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas have followed suit and confirmed allowance for commercial deployment of driver-assistive truck platooning.  Additional states are considering confirming allowance for driver-assistance truck platooning in 2018.

Peloton’s driver-assistance system allows drivers to form two-truck platoons and keeps the drivers fully engaged in driving at all times. The system assists drivers with innovative technology, detecting, and making space for any vehicles that cut in between trucks.

Similar to widely used adaptive cruise control, Peloton’s two-truck system provides a robust wireless communications link between the active safety systems of class eight trucks, enabling pairs of trucks to coordinate their speeds and maintain a safe, aerodynamic following distance.