Locomation's Autonomous Trucking in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh's Transformation: From Industrial Hub to Robotics Center

The Pittsburgh Strip District, historically the location of major industrial companies like Alcoa, Heinz, U.S. Steel, and Westinghouse, has undergone a significant shift in the last ten years. It has emerged as a prominent center for technology and robotics, and is increasingly recognized as a testing ground for autonomous vehicles.

This activity is no longer confined to Smallman Street, known as Robotics Row, or the boundaries of the Strip District and Lower Lawrenceville. It is now extending into neighboring areas both north and south.

The Rise of Autonomous Vehicle Startups

While companies such as Argo AI, Aurora Innovation (including Uber ATG), and Motional are highly visible in the city’s autonomous vehicle development, a multitude of other AV startups have been established over the past six years.

Each of these companies is focused on identifying the most efficient path to the commercial application of their technology.

Locomation: A Novel Approach to Autonomous Trucking

Founded in 2018, Locomation is a startup dedicated to developing autonomous trucks. The company’s co-founders, initially connected through the National Robotics Engineering Center at Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute, believe a phased approach is optimal.

They propose utilizing a human-guided convoy system as the initial step towards fully autonomous trucking.

Locomation anticipates that trucks capable of operating without a human safety driver will become a reality, but only after extensive validation. Currently, they are focused on a convoy system where a lead driver operates one truck, while another follows autonomously.

A driver remains in the autonomous vehicle, but their role is primarily as a passenger during this phase.

Human-Guided Autonomy: Balancing Safety and Efficiency

“We determined that introducing the (autonomous) system to real-world conditions in a secure and economically viable manner was essential,” explained Çetin Meriçli, co-founder and CEO, in a recent TechCrunch interview.

“We are concurrently developing a Level 4 system with a limited operational domain, capable of self-driving with a human-driven lead vehicle in close proximity.”

Locomation’s initial system involves two drivers and two trucks for long-haul routes. The drivers alternate between leading and resting, with both trucks equipped with self-driving capabilities for periodic position swaps.

However, Meriçli emphasized that the autonomous system serves as an assistance feature while the lead driver is in control, rather than fully automating the lead vehicle.

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“We believe it’s crucial to maintain driver engagement while simultaneously minimizing cognitive strain,” Meriçli stated. “Achieving this balance is a delicate undertaking.”

Drivers resume manual control when leaving interstate highways.

Expanding Capabilities: The Drone Follower System

Locomation’s next development is the “drone follower” system, designed for shorter routes of 250 miles or less. This system utilizes one driver and two trucks, with the second truck following autonomously.

These human-guided convoy approaches are intended to facilitate the progression towards a fully autonomous system capable of operating between hubs on interstate highways, and ultimately, achieving dock-to-dock autonomy, including non-interstate roads.

Partnerships and Future Growth

Locomation has secured contracts to equip 1,120 Wilson Logistics trucks with its autonomous relay convoy technology over the next five years, with initial deliveries expected in 2022.

The company has also entered into an eight-year agreement to provide PGT Trucking with the systems for 1,000 trucks.

Currently, Locomation is in the testing phase, having completed some freight hauling with safety drivers present. The company aims to launch commercial operations in the second half of 2022.

A Growing Ecosystem of Robotics Innovation

To support its growth, Locomation is expanding its facilities, relocating to a larger space in the Tech Forge area, near Pittsburgh’s Strip District.

Meriçli noted that at least two dozen startups are actively working on autonomous vehicle technology within the Pittsburgh region.

“Many of these are small operations, often consisting of just a few individuals,” Meriçli explained. “A significant number are second or third-generation ventures, founded by individuals who gained experience in larger companies, identified challenges, or were inspired by entrepreneurial opportunities.”

“While not yet comparable to Silicon Valley, we are rapidly approaching that level of technological concentration,” Meriçli added. “We are now seeing the emergence of role models and success stories, such as Argo and Aurora. Locomation aspires to join their ranks.”

“The mindset of young entrepreneurs emerging from the CMU ecosystem is increasingly aligning with the entrepreneurial spirit of Silicon Valley.”