The Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI) at Deakin University, and the Army’s Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office (RICO) are jointly developing a convoy of autonomous trucks that use technology to follow the leader.
Using modified Land 121 40M cargo trucks, IISRI and RICO are developing the autonomous leader-follower vehicle technology as part of a $3.5 million Australian Army project.
Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said the project has passed a key milestone by successfully completing a series of road trials.
The trials took place over a two-week period at Defence’s Trials and Proving establishment at Monegeetta, Victoria, and involved a five-vehicle convoy.
“The completion of this assessment within one year of the allocation of the funding demonstrates the strong industry and Defence partnerships in experimentation, prototyping and exploration of autonomous vehicle and new technologies,” Minister Price said.
“These technologies are ‘disruptive technologies’ that provide marked advantages on the modern battlefield by bolstering ADF capability while protecting Australian personnel.
“This is exactly the type of capability that the Morrison Government announced in the four new Sovereign Industrial Capability Priorities which will help to build a robust, resilient and internationally competitive defence industry in Australia.”
According to Minister Price, RICO continues to work with IISRI and the Australian Road Research Board on the potential transfer of the capability testing onto public roads with further refinement, performance enhancement and understanding of road rules.
“There are a number of technical and regulatory challenges to address to get these platforms into common use,” Minister Price continued.
“The ongoing efforts will enable Army to navigate these challenges.”
Video: Australian Army YouTube channel
