 The future of freight innovation arrived in the Midwest last week as DriveOhio, The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) welcomed Kodiak for a regional showcase of Level 4 truck automation. Attendees had the opportunity to experience firsthand how this advanced technology performs the full driving task without human intervention, underscoring the transformative potential of automated freight movement across state lines.
During the demonstration at the Transportation Research Center (TRC) in East Liberty, Ohio, the Kodiak truck safely navigated a variety of driving scenarios including passing a slower moving vehicle, moving over for a disabled vehicle, driving through a construction zone, and merging onto the highway. Designed to simulate real-world situations, the truck also validated the technology’s performance when approaching a traffic signal that was dark and stopping suddenly when a pedestrian began crossing unexpectedly.
In addition to the demonstration, Kodiak led meaningful discussions about automated vehicle (AV) policy, law enforcement interaction with AVs, their impressive safety case, and the range of their commercial operations in southern states. While a safety driver was in the cab during the demonstration, attendees could see a live video feed showing the operation was completely hands-off.
Funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, this collaboration between ODOT and INDOT aims to deploy varying levels of automation and integrate these technologies into truck fleets’ daily freight-hauling operations.
New Deployment of Automated Trucking Technology Advances Logistics in the Midwest
 This month, three trucks with automation technology hit the road between Ohio and Indiana, delivering shipments for Nussbaum Transportation. This deployment is the latest in a partnership between DriveOhio, ODOT, and INDOT, aimed at accelerating the adoption of truck automation technologies and transforming the logistics industry across the region.
The Nussbaum trucks are equipped with a suite of safety features designed to decrease the risk of collision and ease driver stress. Many functions are similar to the driver assist features in cars on the road today including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and lane departure technology. Additional technology includes sensors capable of detecting vehicles or people on all sides of the truck. The system provides an audible warning to the driver when an object’s detected and prevents turning movements until the path is clear.
The automated features also include advanced blind spot technology that steers the truck back into its lane if it’s attempting to enter an occupied lane. In the unlikely event that the driver suffers a medical emergency and becomes unresponsive, the system will safely bring the truck to a stop and activate the truck’s hazard lights. Professional drivers will be in the driver’s seat of the trucks throughout the deployment, aided by the automated system.
This month, the UAS Center’s drone-in-a-box systems were installed on the roof of Longworth Hall, where they will soon be used for construction monitoring during the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project. With this system, the drone can be launched from its permanent docking site and be flown remotely to collect project information. It can also fly a pre-programmed route autonomously and then return to the dock for charging. Introducing drone technology at the earliest stage of construction enables accurate, real-time information to streamline site planning, inspection, and project management.
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Are you in the MIX?
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DriveOhio launched a new initiative called the Mobility Innovation eXchange, or the MIX. Designed to implement solutions-driven transportation technology, communities are encouraged to submit their transportation challenge and get connected to resources like funding, technical expertise, data, or industry contacts.
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Upcoming Requests for Proposals
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COMING SOON: DriveOhio Workforce Development DriveOhio is seeking a consultant team to support workforce development initiatives, including future updates to the DriveOhio Educator Toolkit (for K-12 audiences) and the DriveOhio Campus Collection (for higher education audiences) during the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years, and expansion of DriveOhio workforce outreach across Ohio. Work will include curriculum development, graphic design, website and video content development, and support of statewide outreach and hands-on demonstrations. This will be included in the May 2026 ODOT Programmatic. |
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COMING SOON: NEVI Cybersecurity Assessment
DriveOhio is seeking support to develop a cybersecurity oversight framework for Ohio’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. This project will include a cybersecurity risk assessment, gap analysis defining roles and responsibilities, and recommendations on incident response. This will be included in the May 2026 ODOT Programmatic. |
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COMING SOON: EV Charging Strategic Plan
DriveOhio is seeking support to develop a statewide strategy to guide future Electric Vehicle (EV) charging deployment. This strategy will evaluate existing and future infrastructure, gather stakeholder input, and provide recommendations to help shape Ohio’s future EV infrastructure. This will be included in the May 2026 ODOT Programmatic. |
Upcoming Events
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Ohio Aviation Association 2026 Annual Conference
UAS Center Director Rich Fox will speak on a panel about advanced air mobility at the OAA Annual Meeting April 7-8.
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SAE's WCX 2026 World Congress
DriveOhio's Nick Hegemier will give a keynote address titled Honda and DriveOhio Pilot Program: Advancing Safety with Nation's First Proactive Roadway Maintenance System on April 15 at 8:45 a.m.
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SAVE THE DATE: DriveOhio Alliance Meeting
The next DriveOhio Alliance Meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 20 at 10 a.m. at the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE) in Springfield. Registration information coming soon.
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