MAN experiences a semi-Autonomous Convoy

In Germany began the road test convoy on the "electronic coupling"

"Convoy" is a system of vehicles on the road, at least two of which are on the motorway with a caravan, equipped with auxiliary systems for the driver and automatic control. All vehicles in the convoy of the United electronic "coupling", through which communication occurs between them. Leading truck sets speed and direction, and the others follow him, i.e. the convoy is moving in semi-Autonomous mode.



So, on 25 June, the main convoy of trucks with tractors MAN went to the branch of DB Schenker in Neufahrn (Neufahrn) near Munich in nürnberg (Nuremberg) for the experimental section of the motorway А9В. When testing was attended by a representative of the Federal Ministry of transport and digital infrastructure of Germany, Andreas Scheuer. By the way, the Federal government has allocated almost €2 000 000 for the financing of this pilot project.



The Minister of transport of Germany Andreas Scheuer said: "This is a promising study of the A9 highway as a digital testing ground. This project will mark the beginning of a future of automated road transport connecting to the network. Conducting testing of intelligent interaction between man, machinery and material, we bring tomorrow's technology on today's roads. So we get the opportunity to make logistics processes – from loading and unloading ramps to the client – more secure, efficient and environmentally friendly. The drivers piloted trucks will be able to take on the role of modern logistics professionals".

Strategic partnership as the main innovation
Daily tests the columns of the main trucks connected to the network, launched on an experimental road section with a length of 145 km, Until the beginning of August the vehicle will work without load. Then the columns will begin to appear on the road daily, making up to three ordinary logistic travel with only partial loads, for example, machine parts, beverage or paper.

Member of the management Board of DB cargo transport and logistics Alexander doll said: "This is the first use of mainline trains in a convoy in Germany, and it will set new standards on the logistics market, which primarily benefit our clients. This project DB Schenker shows that the development of innovative technologies through the partnership will be of paramount importance for companies around the world."
Using this technology, DB Schenker is expanding its digital business model. Board member DB of the digitization and technology Professor and doctor of Sciences Sabina Jeschke said: "Today the DB again puts on the road the new technology. The project piloted the column increases the importance of our research and discoveries in the field of automated control through a network connection".

Two world-class leader in its industry, MAN Truck & Bus and DB Schenker have joined forces to co-promote the idea of automated driving. Chairman of the Board of MAN Truck & Bus AG Joachim Drees said, "We don't just use technology. We effectively implement it in the entire logistics chain. Open, made by us in the process of the overall project is an important step towards global development. They will allow MAN to take the leading position in the field of automation and digitalization of commercial vehicles".



Innovative technology
In an unprecedented full-scale testing of innovative technologies for logistics are optimized from the viewpoint of, for example, safety systems, fuel consumption and more intelligent use of space on the highways. The project partners also hope to achieve public recognition of the fact of driving with the use of networked technologies and corresponding changes in transport policy and infrastructure.

People in the first place
Since the beginning of the cooperation in may 2017, and the official transfer company MAN test trucks in February of this year, intensive training of truck drivers to participate in the project. University. Fresenius explores the impact of new technology on drivers in the convoy, focusing on neurophysiological and psychosocial impact. This will take into account their sensations and experience gained in the tests during development. Professor Dr. Christian Haas, head of the Institute for integrated health studies at the University. Fresenius says: "of Course, the digitalization of the transport system leads to new requirements for employees in the industry. We hope that our discoveries will help to better understand the working principles of such systems and to design digital interfaces for interaction of man and machine"..