Automated 'road trains' of lorries coming to Britain next year
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Automated 'road trains' of lorries controlled by just one driver are set to be tested in Britain next year.
Up to 10 vehicles - driving in convoy - would be electronically linked together with the driver of the lead vehicle controlling the braking, acceleration and steering of the other vehicles.
The system would allow drivers not in the lead vehicle to use their laptop or read a book, rather than concentrate on the road ahead, according to the Sunday Times.
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The Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 prototype, pictured on a German Autobahn during a trial last month. It is a major step in an escalating race to develop self-driving vehicles, like those set to be introduced to Britain
During the trial, trucker Hans Luft was relaxing with his hands behind his head while at the wheel of his 40-tonne heavy goods vehicle. Similar technology is expected to be tested in Britain next year
Vehicles in the convoy would communicate using a wi-fi network, allowing each 'following' lorry to keep in time with the lead driver. Infrared cameras and laser sensors would be used to keep track of their movements.
And supporters of the plan insist that the 'hands free' driving approach would remain safe as the advanced technology allows drivers of 'following' vehicles to regain control of their individual vehicle at any time.
They also said that the hi-tech system means the vehicles could drive just four or five yards away from each other, easing congestion on Britain's clogged roads. Another benefit of the convoys is that they would cut fuel consumption by 10%, according to supporters.
But motoring organisations have already warned that the 'road trains' also present problems - namely that they could intimidate other road users and prevent them from entering or exiting motorways safely.
Officials from the Department of Transport went on a fact-finding mission to Sweden last year, where lorry maker Scania has been testing platoons since 2012.
They concluded that it would be practical to run tests on British roads and ministers are expected to put the plan into action next year, according to the Sunday Times.
The 'road trains' of lorries have been announced after it emerged last month that driverless cars, like the ones pictured, could be driving on British roads as of next year
Early tests are to be held on tracks in the UK, before moving on to quieter motorways at night. If it is a success, the platoons will then roll out on to busier main roads.
Last month it was announced that driverless cars are set to hit British roads at the start of next year as the Government said it will allow the first trials of vehicles that owners can sit in as passive passengers.
In July German motor giant Mercedes showed off the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 prototype, demonstrated on a German Autobahn. It is a major step in an escalating race to develop self-driving vehicles.
During the trial, trucker Hans Luft was toying conspicuously with an iPad behind the wheel of his 40-tonne heavy goods vehicle as it hurtled down the autobahn under the approving gaze of assembled Daimler executives.
Earlier this month it was revealed that Google has begun lobbying the state of California to allow it to test driverless motorbikes and trucks on its roads.
Earlier this month it was revealed that Google has begun lobbying the state of California to allow it to test driverless motorbikes, like the one pictured, and trucks on its roads
The technology giant has caused controversy over its driverless vehicle testing in recent years as critics complain of its role in our ever-increasing reliance on technology.
Despite the project still being in its infancy, documents reveal Google now wants to extend its permission to use driverless cars on public roads to other types of vehicles.
If driverless motorbikes are designed with any similarity to Google's autonomous cars, the vehicle as we know it will undergo a radical redesign.
The Prius and Lexus cars Google have refitted for its prototypes have no steering wheels and pedals, with sensors removing blind spots.
Capped at a speed of 40kph, they feature two seats with seat belts, buttons to start and stop and a screen showing the vehicle's route.
Google boasts the vehicles 'never get tired or distracted' and said have clocked up about 1.2million kilometres of driving time on California roads.
Using imagery of its surroundings processed in real time, the cars are said to anticipate objects and other obstacles as they travel, scanning a distance of two football fields around themselves.
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