Autonomous Truck Parking Network Tested in Detroit

A new autonomous truck parking network is being tested in Detroit, in a partnership between Robotic Research Autonomous Industries (RRAI) and Truck Specialized Information Services (TSIS).

The partners say the project will begin “ushering in the era of autonomous trucking in the Detroit area,” and showcases the potential benefits of automating the trucking industry.

RRAI is bringing its AutoDrive-enabled vehicles to the partnership. Originally designed for off-road military use cases, the self-driving platform is designed to enable multi-model autonomous driving capabilities in vehicles. 

“We can operate without GPS, without special signage, and can run even when there are no lines on the road,” according to the company website. “We approach path-planning, localization, perception and other navigation concepts with the expectation of using the roadway infrastructure as it is today.”

In the pilot project, RRAI’s AutoDrive-enabled autonomous trucks are moving containers within TSIS’ parking lot in Detroit, to ultimately be used to transport materials from the rail yard to the lot.

“The aim is to demonstrate the practical value of autonomy today while highlighting the potential for even greater end-to-end benefits in the near future,” the companies said in a press release. “Autonomy is expected to make yards operate more efficiently, safely, and with greater throughput than today.”

Related:Self-Driving Trucks Pilot Planned by Daimler Company

Depending on the success of the project, the autonomous model may be rolled out in other TSIS truck ports across the U.S. and Canada.

TSIS also said it plans to develop 35 additional truck ports around rail yards, inland ports and commercial ports, leveraging autonomous technology at each to optimize operational efficiencies.