The Indiana Department of Transportation deployed a pair of semi trucks using automated platooning technology along Interstate 70 on Monday. 

The two tractor trailers were deployed along Interstate 70 between Indianapolis, Indiana and Columbus, Ohio on Monday, April 14th. The semi trucks are operating under EASE Logistics using automated platooning technology. 

“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 at 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.”

According to Fox 59, the automated system allows the lead commercial vehicle to control the speed and movements of the following truck, allowing the following truck to steer, accelerate, and brake automatically while keeping a safe following distance. Both semi trucks have CDL drivers behind the wheel who are able to deactivate the automated platooning technology if necessary. 

“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,” aid Maynard Factor, VP of Business Development at Kratos Defense, the company that developed the technology. “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,” he said to Spectrum News 1.

The semi trucks feature a purple light to alert motorists and law enforcement when they are in platooning mode, and are able to adjust their speed automatically if a car enters the safety gap between the two commercial trucks. 

“Harnessing truck automation technology is one of many innovative safety efforts underway at INDOT,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsday Quist. “In partnership with Ohio, our goal is to create a safer, lower-stress environment for all drivers.”

“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 Ohio State Highway Patrol Captain Chris Kinn. “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.”

The project was partially funded by a $8.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, and is intended to evaluate the technology in different weather conditions. 

INDOT and the Ohio Department of Transportation plan on issuing a request for further deployment of the automated platooning technology in both states later this year.