Development of a Remote-Controlled Truck-Mounted Attenuator System for Active Incident Management

Abstract: The study presents the development and testing of a Remote-Controlled Truck-Mounted Attenuator (RCTMA) system designed to enhance active incident management and improve the safety of roadside operations. The RCTMA system was adapted from a commercial Autonomous Truck-Mounted Attenuator (ATMA) and addresses several key limitations of the ATMA, particularly in environments where factors such as heavy tree cover, poor satellite signals, or complex road configurations render autonomous operation unreliable. Unlike the ATMA, which requires direct vehicle-to-vehicle communication and satellite navigation, the RCTMA allows an operator to remotely control the vehicle through a secure cellular connection, offering enhanced flexibility, operational reliability, and quicker deployment across diverse environments.
The RCTMA system comprises two main components: the RCTMA vehicle and a control console (C2) unit. The vehicle is equipped with advanced cameras and cellular communication systems, which provide the remote operator with real-time video feeds and control. The C2 unit allows the remote driver to safely operate the vehicle, providing real-time situational awareness and the ability to respond to dynamic traffic and roadside conditions. This paper outlines the hardware and software integration of the RCTMA system, detailing the modifications necessary for remote operation, including the vehicle's communication systems, safety controls, and performance monitoring components.
Closed-loop testing of the RCTMA was conducted to evaluate its performance in various operational scenarios. These tests examined the vehicle's ability to maintain lane heading, execute precise turns, stop upon detecting obstacles, and respond to real-time commands from the remote operator. The testing results demonstrated the RCTMA’s potential for increasing roadside safety and flexibility in active incident management. However, the tests also identified areas for improvement, such as occasional pixelation and latency in video feeds during high-mobility maneuvers, which can impact the operator’s real-time awareness and decision-making. Further refinements to the communication infrastructure, including the integration of 5G technology and enhanced video compression protocols, are recommended to address these issues.
The RCTMA system offers a significant advancement over existing autonomous attenuator systems, particularly in complex or obstructed environments. Its ability to be remotely operated provides a safer, more reliable solution for roadside safety, emergency response, and work zone protection. Future enhancements and additional testing are anticipated to further optimize the system's performance and adaptability for real-world deployments.