University of Memphis FLEET Center Convenes Industry Leaders at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Tech Forum
NSF-funded research center advances innovation in freight, logistics, automation, and heavy-vehicle technologies
The University of Memphis-led Center for Freight & Logistics Efficiency with Electrified
& Automated Trucking (FLEET) recently brought together industry leaders, researchers,
and technology innovators for its Industry Technology Forum and Industry Advisory
Board Meeting at Dallara USA headquarters adjacent to the iconic Indianapolis Motor
Speedway.
Funded by the National Science Foundation as an Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC), FLEET—formerly known as the Center for Electrified and Automated Trucking (CEAT)—is focused on addressing critical challenges facing the freight, logistics, and manufacturing sectors through collaborative, pre-competitive research. Key research areas include vehicle electrification, automated operations, supply chain optimization, and human factors engineering.
The center is a joint initiative between the University of Memphis and Purdue University, led by Dr. Sabyasachee Mishra, professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Memphis, and Dr. Razi Nalim, professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University.
The forum featured strategic discussions on the future of transportation technologies, industry engagement, and research priorities, bringing together representatives from organizations including FedEx, Tennessee Valley Authority, Wabash, Cummins, Applied Research Institute (ARI), Start Co., and the FedEx Institute of Technology at the University of Memphis.
Participants received updates on ongoing industry-sponsored research projects and explored technology demonstration platforms developed through industry-academic partnerships within the center. Discussions focused on emerging challenges related to freight movement, automation, safety, workforce readiness, and supply chain resilience, helping shape future research directions aligned with industry needs.
Hosting the event at Dallara USA provided attendees with a unique opportunity to experience one of the world's premier vehicle engineering and manufacturing facilities. Known globally for its advanced motorsports technologies, Dallara's U.S. headquarters features state-of-the-art design, simulation, and manufacturing capabilities. Participants toured the facility and experienced advanced driving simulators that showcase technologies increasingly relevant to heavy-vehicle automation, safety systems, and driver performance research.
The event underscores the University of Memphis’ commitment to advancing next-generation transportation, logistics, and supply chain solutions through meaningful industry collaboration. As home to the FedEx World Hub—one of the most important logistics centers in the world—Memphis provides an unparalleled environment for innovation in freight mobility and supply chain technology.
Through initiatives such as FLEET and the FedEx Institute of Technology, the University of Memphis continues to strengthen its role as a national leader in transportation research, helping develop the technologies, partnerships, and workforce needed to shape the future of global logistics.