Cars will soon drive themselves

The car that drives itself has long been a matter of science fiction and fantasy, but according to researchers it could be a production reality within the next ten years.

Thanks to an EU-funded project called SARTRE, cars that drive themselves in a 'road train' formation on motorways will be in working development on test tracks by 2011. At present, the system is envisaged for motorway use only, and will involve lines of cars, each with a 'lead vehicle' manned by an experienced driver. A line of up to six cars would then form behind it, each equipped with a navigation system that communicated with the lead vehicle.

At that stage, the car takes over all the driving functions, maintaining a set gap between it and the car in front. At any point the driver can resume control and leave the train. 'Autonomous driving', as it's known, will leave the driver free to do whatever he or she likes while in the train, and an added benefit is that the automated system drives in an optimally fuel efficient manner.

Obviously the system is in its infancy at present, but Volvo, one of the makers contributing to the research, claims it's not based on brand new or futuristic technology. "The emphasis is on development and on adapting technology that is already in existence," says Erik Coelingh, director of Active Safety Functions at Volvo Cars, adding "we must carry out comprehensive testing to verify our high demands on safety."

Mark Nichol