This article describes the objectives of the PROMETHEUS project, giving details of the research undertaken so far. The aim is to produce a real time intelligent computer system located within the car, which can utilize information about surrounding traffic, the vehicles condition, and input given to the cars control system to supply the driver with information that will enable him to drive in an optimum manner. This will decrease accidents and air pollution, and increase fuel efficiency. The first type of information to be supplied to the driver will be automatic route guidance systems. Some such systems already exist. A second category are those which are based on a short range communication network between cars (PRO-NET). Such information will assist the driver keep a safe distance between himself and the vehicle in front, for example. Another category of information will be provided by sensors contained within the car, and which will warn the driver of for example slippery roads, and will enhance vision in conditions of poor visibility by warning the driver about obstacles etc (PRO-CAR). Other categories include; PRO-ROAD. The infrastructure communication and information equipment to assist the driver make more complicated manoeuvres such as lane changing. Basic research programmes are also being carried out to develop the hardware and software which will enable these projects to be carried out. These include: (a) PRO-ART, the development of artificial intelligence to enable the driving process to be further automated; (b) PRO-CHIP, the development of the necessary integrated microelectronics and (c) PRO-COM, the development of the communications software and hardware required.
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