Autonomous Vehicle Guidance Evaluation

This report provides an overview of autonomous vehicle technology, specifically focusing on sensing and control technologies. It resulted from safety issues at the Mn/ROAD high-load, low-volume pavement test facility. Appropriate technology helps ensure the safety of the truck driver that provides loads to the pavement and the safety of traffic on 1-94.

Researchers currently are working to provide a semi tractor capable of driver-supervised autonomous operation at the Mn/ROAD facility. Such a driver-supervised system will allow the truck driver to monitor the operation of the automatic control system actively guiding the truck and will allow the driver to take control from the control computer when desired.