Earlier this month, a platoon of self-driving trucks drove from various starting points in Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, and Germany to Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The technology challenge was issued and organized by the Netherlands.
The trucks drove in platoon style, with little space between them. This reduces drag, similar to boxcars on a train. Because the trucks aren’t physically attached, they can still join and depart the convoy in different places.
This green initiative would help trucks save fuel on long distance, high-volume routes.
The project organizers also touted the safety benefits, since most driving accidents are caused by driver error.
Finally, this project is one in a long line of autonomous vehicle tests the Netherlands have planned for this and upcoming years.
By Sharon Campbell