Self-driving over the ditch

Photography by: Transurban

Date: 09.01.2023

Transurban says trials of the self-driving connected and automated truck would help them better understand how roads and road technology

All going according to plan, trials on a self-driving truck will have just concluded on Melbourne’s CityLink, marking the first time a freight truck of its kind has been tested on public Australian roads.

Transurban, which owns the CityLink toll road, says trials of the self-driving connected and automated truck, which began in November 2022, would help them better understand how roads and road technology can be future-proofed to prepare for the vehicles to share the road in the future.

Trials with driver assistance have already been conducted, however, the latest trials consisted of the automated truck driving itself. While the truck’s automated features were in operation, a specially trained safety driver was onboard at all times.

Previous trials tested how the sensors in the vehicles interpret their immediate surroundings, such as line markings and variable speed limit signs. This time, tests focussed on how the truck and road communicated by providing real-time data to guide it on its journey.

According to Transurban, CityLink has embedded technology, including more than 600 CCTV cameras, smart sensors, and automatic incident detection systems to monitor traffic incidents and debris.

During the trial, data from CityLink’s systems was fed directly to the CAV truck, enabling it to understand road and traffic conditions beyond its sensors. The on-road trials were conducted at night when traffic is light, and the vehicle travelled on a 27.5km route in a dedicated lane before turning around and returning along the same route. According to Transurban, a lot of preparation went on before the self-driving truck could move onto the on-road trial phase. The truck underwent rigorous testing at the Australian Automotive Research Centre in Anglesea, with Transurban and the vehicle’s provider, the Taiwan Industrial Technology Research Institute, putting the truck through its paces in various controlled conditions.

Pilot vehicles were assigned to accompany the truck, and Transurban monitored the road and conditions using CityLink’s system of CCTV cameras and systems.

Source: bigrigs.com.au

Keep up to date in the industry by signing up to Deals on Wheels' free newsletter or liking us on Facebook.