Locomation is now collaborating with the Transportation Research Center (TRC) to test its autonomous truck platform. The company describes its platform as the first to offer human-guided autonomous convoying.

Locomation will test the technology with TRC’s research and development team to advance and validate the company’s autonomy technology, according to a news release. TRC is a testing, research, and innovation center for the automotive industry. This research will be conducted at TRC’s new 540-acre SMARTCenter that’s designed for testing advanced automotive and mobility technologies.

“Locomation is proud of our leadership in the growing field of autonomous trucking and we’re confident that our partnership with TRC will get us to an even higher level,” Locomation CEO Çetin Meriçli said, according to the release. “Our emphasis remains on developing, improving and perfecting our autonomous systems and TRC is a top destination to rigorously test and validate our technology. It’s a world-renowned destination and we’re excited to greatly increase our presence there.”

The SMARTCenter features high-speed straightaways and cityscape simulations, a variety of intersection types, roundabouts and access ramps, making it possible to complete repeatable tests in a real-world environment before the vehicles drive on public roads.

Locomation’s team and TRC’s engineering staff will work together to improve the company’s autonomous trucking platform. TRC will provide rigorous analyses and observations derived from its 45 years of experience with automotive testing.

Locomation is scheduled to test at TRC throughout 2020 and will begin immediate work with the engineering and technical teams.