Here is an interesting little rumor/theory with a little inside info sprinkled in on these autonomous driving systems.
A few years ago it became apparent that we had finally reached the point in technology that such systems were now feasible. As a few of the larger players began to develop such systems road blocks became apparent with the process and not the technology. These road blocks were basically
1) Ability to do real life field testing
2) Public reception and lack of trust in the technology
3) Compatibility with legacy vehicles in which the road would be shared with
4) Introduction without suffocating legislation
On the technology side not all of the pieces needed were at the same level of finished development so they needed a staged deliver.
So it was decided by a couple of companies to roll this out in very similar 15 year plans. Each of the stages would address the goals and get significant buy in from the potential customers. The plan has three main 5 year phases.
Phase 1 – Mechanical control system via electronic means.
This was needed to be able to control vehicle functions by computed systems. The actual implementation of this was easy but getting the general public to trust a system with no direct mechanical connection was much harder. The roll out would address what the driver would consider the least important to the most important. Throttle application were first, followed by steering and braking. This 5 year phase of the project is now nearly complete and they have begun the next one.
Phase 2 – Driving reaction and decision systems
This phase is to introduce the consumer to automated vehicle emergency reaction systems. This phase was initially considered a harder “sell” to the customer but has actually proven to easier so far under the Safety banner. The initial roll out includes such items as assisted navigation to a destination, automatic emergency braking, lane drift control, automatic distance maintenance from other vehicles, etc. We are currently in the middle of this phase and shortly will include such things automatic object avoidance with steering and braking. Once this phase has proven that these systems can handle most emergency situations then the foundation of trust will be established.
Phase 3 – Full control
This is the final phase of the roll out and the overall goal of each of the companies’ projects. Even though 99% of these capabilities exist today, it really did require an extended plan to roll this out to the general public.
Take this as you will.
now here's a real life project that appears to be following that timeline:
Quote:
A new government-backed initiative in Europe called SARTRE (SAfe Road TRains for the Environment) is being launched to develop and test technology for vehicles that can drive themselves in long road trains on highways. The technology has the potential to improve traffic flow and journey times, offer greater comfort to drivers, reduce accidents, and improve fuel consumption and hence lower CO2 emissions.
Just imagine leaving home in the morning and, just after joining the motorway, meeting up with a number of other cars which inch up to each other, travelling at normal speed in a close-formation convoy. After a few minutes you can let go of the steering wheel and spend your time reading the morning paper, talking on the phone or watching the TV, while your car drives itself in complete safety and also saving fuel.
This is the vision that proponents of SARTRE, which includes automakers like Volvo, are hoping for. Current estimates put a retail launch for self-driving cars at least ten years away.
Known as autonomous driving, this technology means that the vehicle is able to take control over acceleration, braking and steering, and can be used as part of a road train of similarly controlled vehicles.
The first test cars equipped with this technology will roll on test tracks as early as 2011. The vehicles will be equipped with a navigation system and a transmitter/receiver unit that communicates with a lead vehicle. Since the system is built into the cars, there’s no need to extend the infrastructure along the existing road network.
SARTRE self-driving cars
Enlarge Photo
The idea is that each road train or platoon will have a lead vehicle that drives exactly as normal, with full control of all the various functions. This lead vehicle is driven by an experienced driver who is thoroughly familiar with the route. For instance, the lead may be taken by a taxi, a bus or a truck. Each such road train will consist of six to eight vehicles.
A driver approaching his destination takes over control of his own vehicle, leaves the convoy by exiting off to the side and then continues on his own to his destination. The other vehicles in the road train close the gap and continue on their way until the convoy splits up.
The advantage of such road trains is that all the other drivers in the convoy have time to get on with other business while on the road, for instance when driving to or from work. The road trains increase safety and reduce environmental impact thanks to lower fuel consumption compared with cars being driven individually. The reason is that the cars in the train are close to each other, exploiting the resultant lower air drag. The energy saving is expected to be in the region of 20%. Road capacity will also be able to be utilized more efficiently.
Researchers see road trains primarily as a major benefit to commuters who cover long distances by highways every day, but they will also be of potential benefit to trucks, buses, coaches vans and other commercial vehicle types.
As the participants meet, each vehicle's navigation system is used to join the convoy, where the autonomous driving program then takes over. As the road train approaches its final destination, the various participants can each disconnect from the convoy and continue to drive as usual to their individual destinations.
The SARTRE project formally started in September this year and will run for a total of three years
_________________
Marty Howard
2011 NASA SE Factory Five Challenge Champion
Track Events Logistics Coordinator - TZC/THSCC
2007 Factory Five Challenge Car.
http://www.mh-motorsports.com
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