American Trucking Associations’ Augmented Reality App Designed to Attract New Generation of Technicians

• Definitions for vehicle types have been grouped together by conventional vehicle, dual-mode vehicle and ADS-dedicated vehicle.

• Defining and clarifying the concept of failure mitigation strategy.

“As the development of automated driving technologies continues on a global scale, SAE J3016: Levels of Driving Automation has evolved to align with the developing technologies and deployment strategies. Our collaborative partnership with ISO allowed us to expand and refine the Recommended Practice to better equip international customers with clear, concise and consistent language and definitions,” said Barbara Wendling, chairperson for the SAE J3016 Technical Standards Committee. “Since its launch in 2014, the mobility industry has looked to SAE’s Levels of Driving Automation for citation in official documents where precise language is essential, such as in laws, regulations, guidance documents and standards.”

The SAE J3016 Technical Standards Committee worked collaboratively with partners from ISO/ TC 204 Intelligent Transport Systems – in a joint working group including representatives from nine countries – to carefully address common concerns with previous versions of the Recommended Practice. The latest updates to SAE J3016 incorporate ISO’s international expertise to create a document that is more consistent for use across the global mobility community.

The latest version of the SAE J3016 Recommended Practice: Taxonomy and Definitions for Terms Related to Driving Automation Systems for On-Road Motor Vehicles is available to download for free at www.sae.org/standards/content/ j3016_202104.

The SAE J3016 Levels of Automation graphic has been updated to include new trademark guidance. All taxonomy content from the 2019 version remains unchanged in this latest version. The new version of the graphic is pictured on the previous page.

SAE International is a global association committed to advancing mobility knowledge and solutions for the benefit of humanity. By engaging nearly 200,000 engineers, technical experts and volunteers, SAE connects and educates mobility professionals to enable safe, clean and accessible mobility solutions.

The American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) has released an augmented reality game app aimed at attracting, fostering and welcoming a new generation of skilled technicians to the industry.

The “TMCSuperTech: The Game” app is based on TMC’s National Technician Skills Competition and is geared to middle- and high-school students. After an initial pilot test in Arkansas through that state’s Department of Commerce Office of Skills Development, the app is now available as a free download on the Apple iOS and Android platforms.

In the app, students learn to diagnose and repair tractor-trailers through a series of three mini-games focused on tire/wheel, brake and engine repairs. They can advance through 15 levels of game play, starting as a student technician and ultimately becoming the owner of their own repair shop. Students are rewarded by receiving “payments” within the app, which can be used to purchase special paint jobs for their fleet of trucks and make performance improvements. Links within the game direct students to TMC and its outreach partner the TechForce Foundation, where they can learn about career and scholarship opportunities for becoming a commercial motor vehicle technician. device-based game is an excellent means of supporting outreach campaigns focused on generating interest in the trucking and transportation industry among school-aged children.”

“Today’s technician faces very different challenges than 30 years ago. They are more likely to use a computer than a crescent wrench to repair today’s commercial vehicles,” said TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell. “Gamification is a compelling new way to reach people, especially a younger audience, through smartphones and tablets. We are very excited to employ this new technology to reach students who may be otherwise unaware of the opportunities they have as a commercial vehicle technician.”

“Providing students with the tools necessary to learn more about high-demand, highwage career opportunities is paramount,” said Andrew Parker, executive director of Be Pro Be Proud. “For decades, TMC has been the leading force for developing the talent pipeline for America’s trucking industry. Their introduction of TMCSuperTech is the next evolution of their incredible work. This mobile app places them again on the forefront of helping students imagine themselves as part of the next generation of diesel techs.” Be Pro Be Proud will offer students access to the TMCSuperTech mobile game during its 2021 tour stops.

“The time is ripe for new methods of attracting the next-generation technician workforce to our industry,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “Having a mobile, smartTMCSuperTech: The Game is available free in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store by searching “TMC Supertech.” n

Screenshots of the augmented reality game app “TMCSuperTech.”