A Novel Dynamic and Aerodynamic Intelligent Morphing System (DA-IMS) for the Stability of an Autonomous Utility Truck with the Boom Equipment

Utility trucks with boom equipment, also known as bucket trucks, are the first responders in severe environments, such as natural disasters or extreme weather conditions. These bucket trucks can provide critical support for emergency responders to restore essential services quickly; hence, the utility trucks’ stability while driving in hazardous weather conditions is a crucial aspect of safety of the rescue crew. This paper represents a novel comprehensive study of the DA-IMS system, which utilizes the active aerodynamics and truck dynamics to manage the moment of inertia, tire-road forces, and the aero-dynamic multi-phase forces, e.g., air wind, meteorology, and several multi-phase hazardous kinds of weather and roadway conditions, thus, improving its stability and safety under dangerous critical weather conditions. The system employs the stability criteria, analyzes the data, and subsequently adjusts the utility truck’s shape to enhance its driving conditions on the road. By continuously adapting to changing driving conditions, such as sudden maneuvers and crosswinds, the DA-IMS system can mitigate the risk of accidents and enhance the overall safety of the utility truck. This study offers a novel solution for improving the safety and stability of an autonomous utility truck in extreme weather conditions.