In collaboration with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, FPInnovations successfully completed a three-week demonstration of Kratos Class 8 automated trucks in leader-follower mode in Quebec. The purpose of the trial was to assess the ability of the Kratos leader-follower platoon system to operate in a Canadian natural resources operating environment, identify its limitations, and prepare an implementation plan.
This demonstration follows the evaluation of Forterra’s Autonomous Platoon Trucks, carried out in the fall of 2023. Details of this evaluation are available on the autonomous transport webpage. The successful completion of these trials marks a significant step forward in FPInnovations’ autonomous transportation initiative.
Kratos follower-leader trucks were tested with empty and partially loaded log trailers on different types of forest roads, demonstrating the potential of autonomous technologies in real-life conditions. The event also enabled transport contractors to observe this technology in action, and to gauge its future prospects for the sector.
The forestry sector is often cited as one of the most dangerous industries in Canada, not least because of the risks associated with transport over logging roads. In addition to safety issues, the shortage of truck drivers represents a major challenge for the transport industry. Driver shortages have already led to plant shutdowns, and as the situation worsens, these supply chain disruptions could become more frequent.
FPInnovations is committed to improving the competitiveness of the Canadian forestry sector by exploring technological solutions that enhance safety, reduce transportation costs and optimize logistics planning.
Key results
The tests carried out with Kratos in autumn 2024 achieved several key objectives, demonstrating the robustness and adaptability of autonomous systems:
- Autonomous distance covered: over 2,000 km on Canadian roads.
- Maximum speeds achieved: up to 70 km/h on forest roads and 113 km/h on paved roads (high-speed test track).
- Follower vehicle performance: the follower truck faithfully reproduced the actions of the lead vehicle in complex situations, including lane changes, speed adjustments, variations in spacing distances and management of vehicles inserted between the leader and the follower.
- Ability to transport a variety of loads: the system demonstrated its effectiveness in transporting empty or partially loaded trailers on different routes.
- Testing in difficult conditions: the demonstration took place in extreme conditions, with heavy dust, lighting variations (day, night and twilight), rain and temperatures as low as -6°C on gravel forest roads.
Outlook and next steps
The trials carried out with Forterra in 2023 and Kratos in 2024 have confirmed the potential for the adoption of autonomous transport on Canadian forest roads. They also highlighted the importance of adapting these technologies to specific routes. With this in mind, FPInnovations is working with industry and regulators to set up dedicated corridors for autonomous trucks on selected roads in Canada.
FPInnovations plans to continue its efforts to evaluate technologies and develop the corridors and ecosystems required for their deployment in the months ahead.
Acknowledgments
FPInnovations would like to thank all the participants, visitors, and partners who contributed to the success of these trials.
Special thanks to Domtar for its operational support, and to Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc, Chantiers Chibougamau and West Fraser for their support. FPInnovations also gratefully acknowledges the support of government funders Natural Resources Canada and Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts du Québec (MRNF), without whom these tests would not have been possible.
This series of tests represents another step towards modernizing transportation with autonomous solutions adapted to harsh environments.
Stay informed as FPInnovations continues its efforts to advance autonomous transportation technologies.
For more information on these initiatives, please contact Christoph Schilling, Business Development Manager, or Aisha Manderson, Senior researcher, at FPInnovations.
