Volvo truck leads the safe road train trial in Spain
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By George Barrow
AUTONOMOUS driving has finally hit the roads of Europe after the first trial of the SARTRE (Safe Road Trains for the Environment) platooning system was conducted on roads in Spain.
A lead truck and four trailing vehicles successfully drove as part of a convoy reaching speeds of 53mph and travelling more than 200km. Each of the cars used cameras, radar and laser sensors, based on Volvo technology, to monitor the lead vehicle’s actions and communicated wirelessly to maintain a distance of 6m between each vehicle.
The joint venture is part-funded by the European Commission and is headed by Ricardo UK, whose autonomous control system is used to control accelerating, braking and turning to mimic the lead vehicle’s moves. Since work on the project began in 2009 about 10,000km of test miles have been conducted, but this is the first time the technology has been on trial among other road users. Testing will now continue, with a renewed focus on analysing the fuel consumption benefits of platooning.
SARTRE project director Tom Robinson says: “This is a significant milestone in the development of safe road train technology. The project has demonstrated a practical approach to the implementation of safe road train technology that is capable of delivering an improved driving experience, better road space utilisation and reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
He adds: “Once the fuel consumption measurements are completed we will be drawing on the learning we have gained developing the platoon system and understanding the various human factors, to assess the likely roadmap and mechanisms for platoons and platoon technology to be operational on public highways.”