The BMVI has funded the research project with around 1.86 million euros. The project partners DB Schenker, MAN Truck & Bus and Fresenius University of Applied Sciences have now presented the results on the premises of the BMVI. According to the partners, the use of truck platoons could ensure more efficient use of space on freeways, less congestion and greater road safety.

Andreas Scheuer, Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure: "The mobility of the future is automated and connected. This also applies to logistics. That is why I am fully supporting the industry in bringing technologies such as platooning to market maturity. We want to make processes even safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly - from the ramp to the customer. The driver has a key role to play here. In the digital truck, he becomes a modern logistics specialist. This gives the profession new prospects for the future!"

Doll: Platooning possible on 40 percent of kilometers in land transport

DB Schenker has determined that platooning can be used on a large scale in the logistics network. Alexander Doll, Member of the Management Board for Finance, Freight Transport and Logistics at Deutsche Bahn AG: "We have analyzed our European transport network and can specifically say that around 40 percent of the kilometers driven could be carried out in platoons." However, further tests and a corresponding regulatory framework are necessary for this. Customers would also benefit: "With platooning, we can offer even more reliable and efficient transportation."

The platooning system installed in the MAN trucks worked smoothly 98 percent of the time. The driver only had to actively intervene once every 2,000 kilometers - much less frequently than expected. The pilot operation also achieved a reduction in fuel consumption of around 3 to 4 percent, "We were able to show that platooning has the potential to make a contribution to reducing consumption and CO2 emissions. First and foremost, we are pleased that the system works reliably and can increase safety on the highway. Platooning is therefore an important step for us on the road to automation," says Joachim Drees, Chairman of the Executive Board of MAN Truck & Bus SE.

University: Drivers feel safe

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences investigated the psychosocial and neurophysiological effects on the drivers. The live experience brought about a significant change in the previously critical attitude of the drivers. "A general sense of safety and trust in the technology are reflected in the drivers' assessment of specific driving situations. None are described as uncontrollable," explains Prof. Dr. Sabine Hammer from the Institute for Complex Systems Research at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences. Vehicles from other road users cutting in or through were perceived as "unpleasant" but not critical. "Due to the system's fast reaction times, drivers today would therefore prefer a distance of just 10-15 meters," says Hammer.

"The EEG measurements show no systematic differences in the neurophysiological stress of the drivers between platooning and normal truck journeys, i.e. in terms of concentration or fatigue," says Prof. Dr. Christian Haas, Director of the Institute for Complex Systems Research. For international use, the scientists recommend further studies with longer platooning phases.

The cooperation partners are convinced that the potential of truck platooning can be increased even further through further developments. New digital business models in logistics are also conceivable as a result.