(COLUMBUS) -- Automated freight trucks are now being tested on highways between Ohio and Indiana as part of a new research project focused on improving road safety.
Three trucks equipped with advanced driver-assist technology are currently hauling freight while researchers study how the systems perform in real-world conditions.
Officials say professional drivers remain behind the wheel during testing.
The project is a partnership between the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Indiana Department of Transportation through Ohio's DriveOhio initiative. The program is partly funded by an $8.8 million federal grant.
The trucks include safety features already common in many passenger vehicles, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and lane departure warnings. Additional sensors allow the trucks to detect vehicles, pedestrians and other obstacles.
The system can also slow and safely stop the truck if a driver becomes unresponsive, while activating the vehicle's hazard lights.
Researchers say the Midwest provides an important testing environment because the trucks must operate in rain, snow and other changing weather conditions.
The vehicles are currently hauling freight for Nussbaum Transportation as part of the ongoing testing phase.