Volvo is apparently developing a technology that will allow multiple cars to move like a single convoy, with one “professional driver” doing the driving for all the cars. This technology will see a number of cars moving in a convoy, all about 3 feet apart and connected to each other via lasers and sensors. The way this system is envisioned, drivers would have to pay a fixed amount for getting into the convoy. Once a car reaches the convoy, it will be synchronized to the steering and braking pattern of the vehicle in front.
A professional driver will guide and drive the convoy, while other drivers can relax, eat, sleep or basically do whatever they wish to. At the point where the driver of a car has “booked” to break out of the convoy, the car would be guided to their chosen slip road. We can particularly think of this system as good for long distances, where the drivers will get a chance to relax and rest before they resume driving.
Volvo and six other companies are currently into the development of this project. They hope to start road trials late next year, have a prototype by 2011, and if all goes well, the technology will finally be available on the market by 2018.
Via: DailyMail
