SAFETRUCK: Sensing and Control to Enhance Vehicle Safety

Project summary:

We propose to extend the work performed under MNDOT Agreement Nos. 70210, 71783 and 73168. Research performed under these agreements consisted of an investigation into emerging sensing and control technologies applicable to the driver assistance and vehicle control problems. The results of this initial work led to the decision to build a semi tractor-trailer experimental testbed on which these emerging technologies can be tested and evaluated. A tractor (Navistar 9400 series heavy duty tractor equipped with electronically controlled engine, transmission, and anti-lock brakes and traction control) was subsequently acquired and the computer, power, communication, safety and control subsystems were designed and installed on the truck. The work to be undertaken for the proposed funding period includes extensive experimentation with the tractor-trailer testbed. These tests will verify the reliability and robustness of the relevant software and hardware subsystems. We will investigate the integration of new technologies on the truck. We will work towards the development of a number of tools which will assist drivers by providing information about lane boundaries and adjacent vehicles. These will prevent road departure and collisions with other vehicles, especially when driving under poor visibility conditions. Collision avoidance will also be enhanced by implementing the virtual bumper concept and demonstrating the virtual mirror concept.