This article describes the results obtained so far in the development of the PROMETHEUS PRO-CAR, PRO-ART and PRO-CHIP projects. The PRO-CAR projects include: (a) The heading control systems developed by BMW, whose objective is to automatically monitor road alignment and surface condition. If difference is perceived between the optimum vehicle steering required to meet these conditions and those actually provided by the driver then the system alerts the driver by increasing the torque of the steering wheel. This increase/decrease in torque can be overridden by the driver at any time, thus enabling him to keep complete control of his car; (b) friction detection and monitoring, developed by Porsche; and (c) the development of advanced in-car microelectronics to enable such information systems to work. The prototype systems developed by Peugeot are described. The final objective of such work, the design of a complete driver-vehicle co-pilot system is also described in some detail, giving information about projects which are designing; (a) sensors and signal processing systems; (b) actuating systems to produce the intelligent system or 'copilot' which will assist the driver control his car; and (c) the man-machine interface. Details of PRO-ART (artificial intelligence) projects are also provided briefly, as are details of the 49 PRO-CHIP projects being undertaken to develop the microelectronics required to run the system.
Abstract