Traxen secures new contract for iQ-Pilot system

Traxen field trial trucks Photo: Traxen

Detroit-based Traxen has announced that it has been awarded a contract by United Road Services, one of the largest finished vehicle logistics companies in the US, to deliver 400 units of its iQ-Pilot system.

Previously known as iQ-Cruise, the system uses proprietary software and hardware to monitor road conditions, changes in elevation, road curvature, traffic patterns and weather conditions. The system processes this data, together with driver hours and required time of arrival, to control the speed of the vehicle.

This makes steering the driver’s primary job, while the user interface alerts operators to the system performance. It is reported that human error and fatigue are ‘vastly reduced’ through the use of the technology.

The 400-unit installation contract with United Services follows a four-month test phase on five trucks. According to Traxen CEO Ali Maleki, the system helped reduce fuel consumption by an average of nearly 10%. This equates to a savings of about $6000 per truck, per year.

United Road COO Jason Walker said, “United Road is a technology-solutions driven company, so we welcomed the opportunity to work with Traxen. We have seen significant benefits with the addition of iQ-Pilot to our tractors. Besides the significant fuel savings, iQ-Pilot helped reduce our carbon emissions and improve safety in ways not currently realized in the auto hauler segment.”

In tests, drivers used the system more than the average utilisation of basic Adaptive Cruise Control. On three test tractors, utilisation rates reached 90%.

“Many routes driven are continually repeated,” said Maleki. “Each time iQ-Pilot covers a route it navigates that route more efficiently. Improvements realised are then shared with the rest of the fleet.”

Traxen has already begun installing units for United Road and anticipates full installation will be completed within the next 12 to 18 months.

iQ-Pilot is now available to OE truck manufacturers and commercial vehicle aftermarket customers and is currently being piloted by other commercial fleets. The system can be used across trucks with any traditional, hybrid or electric powertrain.