Now trucks will be connected via Internet
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Daimler Trucks showcased the world of opportunities by digitally connecting their trucks. Three WiFi-connected, autonomously driving trucks operated on the highway as a “platoon”. Based on the Daimler Trucks Highway Pilot system for autonomously driving heavy trucks, the three trucks linked up to form an aerodynamically improved, fully automated platoon. Daimler Trucks calls this system Highway Pilot Connect.
Synchronized vehicles in a group require a distance of 15 meters between them. This considerably smaller distance produces a major reduction in aerodynamic drag – similar to riding in cycling competitions. In this way a platoon of three trucks can achieve a fuel saving of around seven percent, thus reducing CO2 emissions as well. In addition, thanks to the shorter distance between vehicles, for example a platoon of three linked trucks has a length of only 80 meters. On the other hand, three trucks that are not linked require a total of 150 meters of road space. Moreover, while a human behind the wheel has a reaction time of 1.4 seconds, Highway Pilot Connect transmits braking signals to the vehicles behind in less than 0.1 seconds. This reduced reaction time can play a major role in reducing rear-end collisions that occur a lot on highways almost daily.
The great advantage of Highway Pilot Connect is that the platoon members continue to be driving autonomously driving trucks because of their technology. They are able to maintain their direction regardless of the vehicle ahead, and thanks to wirelessly connected guidance, they can react to unexpected situations at any time. This also applies if other vehicles cut into or leave the platoon's space. In this case the vehicle can smoothly separate from the platoon and continue alone in autonomous mode. The driver does not need to intervene.
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