Tantus Supports Truck Platooning On-Road Trials
Our Work
Tantus and the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) are celebrating the successful completion of Canada’s first on-road commercial truck platooning systems trials project for Transport Canada. For years, researchers have studied simulations and test track data to assess the potential benefits of platooning technologies. As such, this multi-lab research project was designed to assess the real-world vehicle dynamic and human fatigue impacts of implementing a cooperative truck platooning system on two commercial semi-trucks equipped with a level-2 Automated Driving System (ADS).
Managing an international project team at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tantus was responsible for planning, directing, and executing an evolving series of deliverables, facilitating engagement between project stakeholders, and coordinating expectations with Transport Canada.
Through 21 roundtrips between Calgary and Edmonton on Hwy-2, in which 23,400 km were traveled, nine Bison Transport drivers and ten dedicated researchers monitored the collection of hundreds of data parameters from thirteen sources. The trucks, affectionately dubbed “Daisy” and “Lily,” are 2020 Peterbilt 579s equipped with Pronto’s Co-pilot and Platooning System.
Prior to on-road operations, the CTPS vehicles underwent extensive track testing at Transport Canada’s Motor Vehicle Test Centre in Blainville, Que. Results were used to validate how the automated system responded to different situations, such as the driver of the lead truck braking abruptly, or when another vehicle cuts in between the platooning trucks.
The on-road trials were completed in January 2022 with Transport Canada providing $2.3 million in overall funding to the project. In addition to partnering with Tantus, support was also provided by Alberta Transportation, Bison Transport, Pronto, University of Alberta, Solaris Fatigue Management, PMG Technologies, and Esso Commercial Cardlock.
What Partners are Saying
“The world is changing at a rapid pace and so is technology,” says Chris Nash, AMTA President. “Trials like Cooperative Truck Platooning System (CTPS) are critical to Alberta’s economy and competitiveness while improving safety and efficiency across the supply chain. Not only is platooning safe and efficient, but it is also a greener way to ensure goods get to where they need to go. I applaud our partners as this data will be key for the industry moving forward.”
“We are pleased to have worked with the Alberta Motor Transport Association and its partners on this exciting project. Truck platooning will help the trucking industry advance new technologies that can improve safety and efficiency, while also reducing congestion and greenhouse gases,” said Canada’s Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra.
“Alberta’s government applauds the Alberta Motor Transport Association’s launch of road tests for its Cooperative Truck Platooning Systems,” said The Hon. Rajan Sawhney, Alberta’s minister of Transportation, in September 2021. “Technology and innovation like this will diversify our province’s economy and attract investment, two key pillars of Alberta’s Recovery Plan.”
Bison Transport was the dedicated carrier for the trials. “We would like to recognize our professional driver volunteers who have committed to participating, effectively paving the way for the future development and eventual deployment of this technology on our roadways.”