A defense and logistics technology company has carried out a “deployment of a convoy of unmanned trucks across the country” to support an upcoming NASCAR race.
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. has announced the successful deployment of a convoy of trucks transporting “essential race equipment” on a cross-country journey.
On June 13, two Kratos trucks, operating in autonomous convoy mode, departed from Charlotte, North Carolina, bound for Coronado Naval Base in Southern California to support the NASCAR Anduril 250 race, traveling more than 2,500 miles.
Kratos partnered with motorsports logistics provider Champion Tire & Wheel to carry out this deployment.
Kratos
Kratos’ autonomous truck convoy system consists of a human-driven semi-truck that acts as the “lead” truck for an autonomous “follower” truck with a safety operator inside the cab.
Kratos states that the truck convoy system increases cargo capacity and operational capacity, maximizing the efficiency of each truck driver.
Kratos
“By synchronizing steering, braking, and speed control, the follower vehicle operated as part of a freight convoy that crossed multiple states, while maintaining safety and operational oversight. A tiered autonomy approach combining GPS, onboard sensors, and advanced vehicle controls enabled operation under dynamic road and environmental conditions,” stated Kratos.
“Last year, we demonstrated the concept’s feasibility. This year, we’ve demonstrated its large-scale implementation,” said Maynard Factor, vice president of Business Development at Kratos. “Our autonomous truck-trailer combination successfully completed a cross-country logistics haul, demonstrating how platooning technology can safely improve efficiency, expand freight capacity, and help address the current driver shortage.”
