Japan tests "driverless" trucks on a highway
Japan tested for the first time its Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC) trucks on a public highway on Tuesday (January 23) in what industry officials called a world's first for varying truck makers to participate in such a test.
Japan tested for the first time its Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC) trucks on a public highway on Tuesday (January 23) in what industry officials called a world's first for varying truck makers to participate in such a test.
Four truckmakers - Isuzu, Hino, Mitsubushi, and UD Trucks - took part, one truck leading a three-truck-platoon, leaving a gap of 30 metres (98.5 feet) between each vehicle.
CACC relies on forward sensors in automating distance between vehicles based on proportion to speed.
Volvo successfully completed a three-platoon CACC truck test last March using similar trucks, making Japan's test a world's first by testing various truck-makers on a public road, according to Naohiko Kakibi, an official of the ministry of economy, trade, and industry.
Though drivers were present in Tuesday's test to ensure safety and steer the vehicle, officials said they hoped to realize a fully-automated, driver-less platoon by 2022 in an effort to increase productivity, and help the trucking industry as it faces a shortage of drivers due to Japan's aging population.
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