Startup Peloton's new solution system - autonomous driving system truck

According to foreign media reports, autonomous vehicle technology is likely to have a major impact on the trucking industry in the next few years, and allowing heavy trucks to move in dense formations, so-called "platoons," may be a key part of the future. Startup Peloton has put forward an interesting new perspective on this concept, describing an automatic emulation system that can effectively allow one person to drive two trucks at the same time.

Everyone from Daimler to Toyota to the UK government is exploring the possibilities of truck platooning, which, while still experimental, could have a major impact on the transportation industry.

The system uses vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology, with the self-driving trucks constantly sharing their position on the road with other vehicles in the convoy. This will allow the trucks to get closer than under human control, which has the benefit of reducing congestion, accidents, fuel use and carbon emissions.

The fuel savings numbers are also impressive. Daimler, for example, says that because trucks follow closely behind the lead car, it can provide aerodynamic benefits and improve fuel use by up to 10%. California-based self-driving car company Peloton says its existing customers' trucks are saving more than 7% on average.

The company's latest release of the Auto-Follow feature may take the game up a notch, allowing truckers to pair their vehicle with another so one driver can control two trucks. The two-person truck uses radar braking and the company's vehicle control software to follow the human-controlled vehicle ahead and then mimic its steering, acceleration and braking on the road.