Highway automation is an attractive possible solution to some of the traffic problems posed by the ever-increasing number of vehicles, as it would probably result in substantial increases in traffic flow rates and a dramatic reduction in the numbers of highway accidents and fatalities. The elements of an automatic highway system is divided into eleven categories which are automatic longitudinal control, vehicle spacing, communication, automatic lateral control, automatic merging control, lane changing, vehicle propulsion, decision making capability, compatible manual mode, automatic vehicle checkout, and evolutionary developments. The role and state of the art of each category is discussed in detail, and although some research has been accomplished, substantial future research and development progress will be necessary before an automated highway system is a practical reality.
Abstract