First demonstration of new 'road train' technology

Automated vehicle 'platooning' may be the new way of traveling on motorways in as little as ten years time - an EU-financed project has just carried out the first successful demonstration of the technology at a testing ground in Sweden.

It was the first time the systems had been tested together outside, rather than using simulators.

Vehicle platooning, as envisaged by the SARTRE project, is a convoy of vehicles where a professional driver in a lead vehicle drives a line of other vehicles. Each car measures the distance, speed and direction and adjusts to the car in front. All vehicles are totally detached and can leave the procession at any time. But once in the platoon, drivers can relax and do other things while the platoon proceeds towards its long haul destination.

The tests included a lead vehicle and single following car. The steering wheel of the following car moves by itself to follow the lead truck around the 'country road' test track. The driver can have a cup of coffee or read a paper, using neither hand nor foot to operate his vehicle.

"This is a major milestone," said Tom Robinson, the project coordinator, of Ricardo UK Ltd. "Platooning offers the prospect of improved road safety, better road space utilisation, improved driver comfort on long journeys and reduced fuel consumption/CO2 emissions".

The technology development is well underway and could most likely go into production in a few years' time. What may take substantially longer, however, is public acceptance - and the necessary legislation.