Volvo Begins Testing SARTRE System on Public Roads

VolvoVolvoSweden, 1927 > present49 models
4535 photos
6 videos
has begun testing is SARTRE vehicle train system on public roads in Spain outside of Barcelona. The SARTRE program is an initiative by Volvo and the European Commission. It stands for Safe Road Trains for the Environment. The initiative wants to allow trains of vehicles, including heavy trucks to travel autonomously on the highway.

The system works by having a lead vehicle driven by a regular driver. Vehicles behind the lead car are equipped with laser, radar, camera sensors and wireless communication. The vehicles behind mimic the lead vehicle allowing them to drive autonomously. 

Volvo claims that the technology will reduce congestion, improve fuel economy and increase safety. 

The first vehicle train that was on a public road consisted of a Volvo XC60Volvo XC60Sweden, 2008 > present261 versions
377 photos
1 video
, V60Volvo V60Sweden, 2010 > present301 versions
450 photos
, S60Volvo S60 Gen.2Sweden, 2009 > present252 versions
436 photos
1 video
, a heavy truck and a lead vehicle. It was the first time that the technology had been tested with other drivers on the road. The vehicles drove at 85km/h with six meters between them, but in testing the system has worked from five to 15 meters between the vehicles. 

"We covered 200 kilometers in one day and the test turned out well. We're really delighted," says Linda Wahlström, project manager for the SARTRE project.

Obviously this project faces some unique hurdles like who do you find to lead these caravans. Can drivers trust the people leading because their inputs will be communicated to all of the other cars? Also if someone has to get fuel or has to stop for some other reason, what happens?

Volvo SARTRE Program Allows for Autonomous Vehicle Trains

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