This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World

Autonomous trucking startup Locomation announced this week that it has successfully completed its first on-road pilot transporting commercial freight. In partnership with Aon, a risk management consultancy, and Wilson Logistics, a transportation logistics company, Locomation deployed two trucks hauling trailers in a driverless convoy on a 420-mile-long route stretching from Portland to Nampa, Idaho along I-84. (VentureBeat)

Under a Research & Development project by the U.S. Army's C5ISR Center located at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, Silvus Technologies Inc. was recently awarded OPTION funding. The goal of the project is to develop high-throughput, secure, and low observable communications capabilities for manned/unmanned teaming operations. (PRNewswire)

The state of Michigan has announced an initiative to explore the development of a 40-plus mile stretch of road dedicated to connected and autonomous vehicles (AV) between the cities of Ann Arbor and Detroit. The first of its kind according to Michigan, the dedicated AV corridor is expected to eventually improve safety and transit access for communities along the road. (Bloomberg)

Over the next 12 months, the Western Australia (WA) police force plans to train 60 drone pilots and purchase more than 40 drones. The police drones will be used to patrol metropolitan and regional areas in emergencies such as land or marine searches. (DroneDJ)

In an effort to educate the community on the future of transportation, the Michigan Science Center (MiSci) and Ford Motor Company collaborated to create MiSci’s first autonomous vehicle exhibit. Through interactive displays and a simulation, the “one-of-a-kind exhibit” that resembles a vehicle of the future allows MiSci guests to learn about autonomous vehicles through engaging with and exploring the insides of the vehicle. (Ford Motor Company)

Sesto Robotics has launched a new autonomous mobile robot designed to automate material handling processes in manufacturing, commercial and healthcare industries. Described as a bi-directional, compact autonomous mobile robot, the Sesto Magnus can carry loads up to 300 kilograms, and it has the “highest payload rating in the compact class,” according to the company. (Robotics & Automation News)

Photo below: Locomation has revealed it successfully completed its first on-road pilot transporting commercial freight. Photo courtesy of Locomation