COLUMBUS, Ohio, INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — A pair of tractor-trailers with automated truck platooning technology began traveling Interstate 70 between Columbus, Ohio, and Indianapolis, Ind. on Monday, delivering shipments for EASE Logistics.
The deployment is a collaboration between the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)’s DriveOhio initiative and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to advance the adoption of truck automation technologies in the logistics industry across the Midwest.
“Everything we do at ODOT is driven by safety. We’re committed to reducing deaths on our roadways and vehicle automation technologies can be part of the solution,” said Pam Boratyn, ODOT director. “Many vehicles on the road today have some degree of automated driving systems including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic braking. All of these features are designed to improve safety and reduce driver stress.”
Leaders in Logistics
For decades, Ohio and Indiana have leveraged their geography and world-class transportation system to become leaders in logistics, according to an ODOT press release. While the majority of automated vehicle testing to date has been done in regions with warmer and more predictable weather, it’s crucial to assess technology performance in adverse weather conditions to deliver the safety benefits of this technology to residents in the Midwest.
“Harnessing truck automation technology is one of many innovative safety efforts underway at INDOT,” said Lyndsday Quist, INDOT Commissioner. “In partnership with Ohio, our goal is to create a safer, lower-stress environment for all drivers.”
EASE Logistics Trucks Equipped with Kratos Defense Tech
The EASE Logistics trucks are equipped with platooning technology provided by Kratos Defense that electronically links the two vehicles and allows the driver of the lead vehicle to control the speed and direction of the second truck, enabling it to precisely follow the path of the leader. During portions of the I-70 trips, the follower truck will automatically steer, accelerate, and brake, supporting safe, efficient operation and consistent vehicle coordination. Professional drivers will be in the driver’s seat of both trucks throughout the deployment and can turn off the technology system and take over if needed.
“At Kratos, we have adapted advanced automated truck platooning technology —originally developed for the U.S. military—to address critical challenges facing commercial logistics, agriculture, energy, and mining sectors, all vital to national security.” said Maynard Factor, vice president of business development at Kratos. “This project offers a real-world opportunity to demonstrate how proven automated driving systems can increase safety, strengthen supply chain resilience, and ensure economic vitality. Operating along the I-70 corridor between Ohio and Indiana enables us to showcase performance in complex, all-weather conditions essential to Midwest freight operations and accelerates readiness for broad adoption. This marks a significant step forward in bringing scalable, next-generation automation to the industries that keep the nation moving.”
Driving Innovation
“At EASE, we’re committed to driving innovation in logistics with safety at the core of everything we do,” said Peter Coratola Jr., founder, CEO, EASE. “Our work on the I-70 project is a clear example of that commitment—we implemented a Crawl/Walk/Run pre-deployment strategy and required our drivers to complete 260 hours of intensive training to ensure they were fully prepared. We’re focused on creating meaningful change in the industry, guided by a clear vision and a deep responsibility to lead. Through projects like this, we’re not only advancing innovation—we’re helping establish EASE and our region as national leaders in transportation.”
The trucks are also equipped with cameras and sensors for object detection that enable the following vehicle to automatically adjust its speed, or stop, if another vehicle or object moves in between the trucks. Because the follower truck travels at a closer distance than is typical, the trucks will have a purple light on the cab that is illuminated when they’re in platooning mode to alert law enforcement that they are digitally connected.
Making Roads Safer
“This technology offers a complete safety system with redundancies that could make roadways safer. It is necessary that we continue to explore improving roadway safety,” said Chris Kinn Ohio State Highway Patrol Captain. “Unlike human drivers, automated vehicles do not drive impaired, text while driving, fall asleep at the wheel, or recklessly speed. The goal of this technology is to take the human error out of the safety equation.”
Funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, this multi-year $8.8 million project aims to deploy varying levels of automation and integrate these technologies into truck fleets’ daily freight-hauling operations. Later this year, ODOT and INDOT will release a Request for Proposals for additional deployments of automated trucks in Ohio and Indiana. More information about how to get involved is available here.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
All this in the name of safety, huh? Right..I’ll see my way to the unemployment office.