An Automated Traffic Warning Device Deployment System for Autonomous Vehicles

Over the past decade, private industry has shown a growing interest in the development of autonomous Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs). A successful autonomous CMV system will require that the vehicles meet both technological requirements and existing regulatory requirements for traditional CMVs. While some regulations are passive, others require drivers to take actions. Of note is the requirement to place warning markers around the truck if a CMV must stop on the travel or shoulder portion of the roadway. DOT regulations specify marker placement depending on the details of the roadway, such as the type of roadway (divided vs. undivided) and whether there are any view obstructions within 500 feet of the truck. These tasks, while simple for a human driver, are complex for an autonomous CMV, and a technology solution is needed. To meet this need, Creare proposes an automated marker deployment system for autonomous trucks. In Phase I, we will develop detailed requirements by working with our industry partner and staff at the DOT, and we will demonstrate the feasibility of key system technologies through simulation and testing. In Phase II, we will build and test performance of a prototype system in a representative field demonstration.