In a groundbreaking initiative, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has developed an innovative mobile application driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assess and improve truck driving behaviour, with a focus on safety and energy efficiency. This new app is a part of IIT Madras’s ongoing efforts to address the challenges in the transportation sector, particularly in the context of the growing adoption of Zero Emission Trucks (ZETs).
It uses AI algorithms to monitor truck driving behaviour, offering anticipatory alerts to drivers. These alerts notify drivers when their driving patterns are unsafe or inefficient, particularly in relation to the road infrastructure. For example, the app can inform drivers about issues like excessive braking, harsh acceleration, or underuse of fuel-efficient driving techniques, allowing them to improve their driving habits for better fuel efficiency and safety.
The app is specifically designed for truck drivers operating diesel trucks, particularly those who drive long distances of at least 4,000 km per month. By encouraging safer and more energy-efficient driving practices, the app aims to reduce both fuel consumption and the risk of accidents.
The mobile application is part of a larger initiative by IIT Madras to accelerate the adoption of Zero Emission Trucks (ZETs) in India. The project was unveiled during the event “Get ZET – Shifting Gears to Zero Emission Trucking”, which marks the beginning of a series of projects aimed at revolutionizing India’s trucking industry. According to IIT Madras Director, Prof. V Kamakoti, the core objective of this initiative is to reduce the environmental impact of trucking, which currently consumes a disproportionate amount of fuel.
“Although trucks account for just 5% of the total vehicle fleet, they consume nearly 65% of the country’s diesel, contributing significantly to both fuel consumption and pollution. This project is designed to address these issues by shifting towards cleaner, more sustainable solutions like electric trucks,” said Kamakoti.
The initiative will particularly focus on a community that is often overlooked in conversations around electrification – the truck drivers, mechanics, operators, and other essential workers. Prof. CS Shankar Ram, Head of the Department of Engineering Design at IIT Madras, explained that this group, referred to as the ‘User Layer,’ is critical to the success of truck electrification.
“The ‘User Layer’ includes not just drivers, but also cleaners, mechanics, dhabha owners, barbers, and other support staff who are directly impacted by any changes in the trucking ecosystem. It is essential to address their psychological acceptance of the shift to electric trucks, as their daily experience of trucking will determine the overall success of this transformation,” Ram said.
A significant focus of this project is the improvement in driver comfort and well-being. For drivers, the transition to electric trucks is expected to result in a major shift in their day-to-day experience. Electric trucks are much quieter than their diesel counterparts, reducing noise pollution. Additionally, electric vehicles have lower vibration levels, which can reduce driver fatigue over long distances.
In terms of driver comfort, the absence of engine noise, vibration, and heat, as well as smoother acceleration, are expected to significantly enhance the driving experience. According to Ram, these improvements will not only benefit the drivers physically but also mentally, by reducing stress and discomfort on long-haul journeys.
