Kratos Unmanned Systems Division Self-Driving Truck Leader Follower Platoon Fleet to Be Deployed in Ohio and Indiana
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Insights
The deployment of self-driving Class 8 tractor/trailers by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions in partnership with EASE Logistics signifies a pivotal move in the transportation sector. This initiative is expected to alleviate the driver shortage by pairing human-driven and autonomous vehicles in a platoon system. The Leader Follower Platoon approach not only aims to maintain current employment levels for drivers but also seeks to expand the haul capacity based on the availability of human operators.
From a technological standpoint, the adaptation of driverless technology from military to civilian use underscores the potential for cross-sector innovation. The system's reliance on proven architectures, advanced cybersecurity and environmental hardening is crucial for ensuring reliability and safety in commercial applications. The integration of these trucks into the 24/7 supply chain could set a new industry standard, potentially leading to widespread adoption if proven successful. The impact on the stock market could be substantial, particularly for companies involved in the autonomous driving and logistics sectors, as this technology could revolutionize cost structures and efficiency.
The introduction of the Leader Follower Platoon into the supply chain addresses several critical challenges facing the industry today. The driver shortage has been a persistent issue and Kratos's solution offers a way to maintain business continuity even when qualified drivers are scarce. The ability to integrate autonomous vehicles into existing supply chain operations without significant disruption is a key advantage.
For stakeholders, the short-term benefits include the potential for reduced labor costs and increased shipping capacity. In the long term, the data collected from this deployment could inform broader implementation strategies, leading to more resilient and flexible supply chains. However, there are also potential drawbacks, such as the upfront cost of retrofitting trucks with self-driving technology and the need for ongoing maintenance and updates. Additionally, the success of this initiative will depend on regulatory approval and public acceptance of autonomous vehicles in commercial settings.
The deployment of autonomous vehicles in commercial logistics necessitates an emphasis on cybersecurity. Kratos's use of advanced cybersecurity measures is critical in protecting these vehicles from potential threats. The robustness of these systems, adapted from military applications, suggests a high level of security that could set a precedent for future autonomous fleets.
The cybersecurity measures will need to be dynamic, adapting to evolving threats to maintain the integrity of the supply chain. The implications for stakeholders include not only the protection of their goods but also the safeguarding of their data and operational details. It is important to note that cybersecurity standards in the autonomous vehicle industry are still developing and Kratos's approach could influence future regulatory frameworks.
SAN DIEGO, March 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a Technology Company in the Defense, National Security and Global Markets, announced today that it will be deploying self-driving Class 8 tractor/trailers in a Leader Follower Platoon hauling customer freight shipments along revenue generating routes in Ohio and Indiana.
The Kratos Unmanned Systems Division is under contract to deploy its self-driving platooning technology later this year between Ohio and Indiana along a major trucking corridor. Teamed with EASE Logistics, a third-party logistics (3PL) company that provides services to automotive, aerospace, food & beverage, and major manufacturing companies, the Leader Follower Platoon will be a first-of-its kind deployment to address driver shortage impacts by enabling business continuity when qualified drivers are unavailable.
The leader and follower trucks were provided by EASE Logistics who will also provide a highly qualified driver for the leader truck and a Safety Rider onboard the self-driving follower truck who can take over manual driving control at any time. The trucks were retrofitted by Kratos with self-driving technology to enable the Leader Follower Platooning operation. The system will be integrated as part of normal 24/7 supply chain activity hauling freight in 53-foot dry van trailers on short-haul routes for round-trip totals of 450 to 500 miles.
Leader Follower Platoon Fleet
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/581219fd-129c-4d43-b821-0ae86d5e11ed
Maynard Factor, VP of Business Development for the Kratos Unmanned Systems Division, said, “Kratos is excited to team with EASE Logistics to support this landmark Leader Follower Platoon deployment establishing the baseline for how driverless technology can be deployed in a game-changing configuration. The Leader Follower Platoon is a great adaptation of driverless vehicle technology that maintains driver jobs by pairing a human-driven truck with a self-driving follower truck to maintain or increase haul capacity depending on the available driver pool. Supply chain security is national security and using the Kratos Leader Follower Platoon is a solution that can strengthen a company’s ability to maintain jobs and secure supply chain activity as a win-win.”
The Leader Follower Platoon consists of a human-driven Leader truck transmitting navigation and command data to a Follower truck enabled with self-driving technology. The technology enabling the deployment was adapted from systems Kratos originally developed for the U.S. Department of Defense leveraging proven architectures, advanced cyber security, and robust environmental hardening. The Leader Follower Platoon will be deployed with drivers from EASE Logistics who have completed an extensive and comprehensive training program conducted by Kratos.
Peter Coratola, Jr., President & CEO of EASE Logistics, said, “EASE is honored to serve as Kratos’ fleet partner for this groundbreaking deployment in partnership. We recognize this opportunity as an important step toward shoring up the supply chain, which is a critical component of national security. We look forward to collecting and providing data that will enable this crucial innovation to be deployed across the U.S.”
About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology, products, system and software company addressing the defense, national security, and commercial markets. Kratos makes true internally funded research, development, capital and other investments, to rapidly develop, produce and field solutions that address our customers’ mission critical needs and requirements. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we seek to utilize proven, leading edge approaches and technology, not unproven bleeding edge approaches or technology, with Kratos’ approach designed to reduce cost, schedule and risk, enabling us to be first to market with cost effective solutions. We believe that Kratos is known as an innovative disruptive change agent in the industry, a company that is an expert in designing products and systems up front for successful rapid, large quantity, low cost future manufacturing which is a value add competitive differentiator for our large traditional prime system integrator partners and also to our government and commercial customers. Kratos intends to pursue program and contract opportunities as the prime or lead contractor when we believe that our probability of win (PWin) is high and any investment required by Kratos is within our capital resource comfort level. We intend to partner and team with a large, traditional system integrator when our assessment of PWin is greater or required investment is beyond Kratos’ comfort level. Kratos’ primary business areas include virtualized ground systems for satellites and space vehicles including software for command & control (C2) and telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C), jet powered unmanned aerial drone systems, hypersonic vehicles and rocket systems, propulsion systems for drones, missiles, loitering munitions, supersonic systems, space craft and launch systems, C5ISR and microwave electronic products for missile, radar, missile defense, space, satellite, counter UAS, directed energy, communication and other systems, and virtual & augmented reality training systems for the warfighter. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.
Kratos Press Contact:
Yolanda White
858-812-7302 Direct
Kratos Investor Information:
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investor@kratosdefense.com
FAQ
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