Automotive Platooning system an upcoming technology of connected transportation

Platooning itself means moving in one line with constant uniformity. Nowadays, where the majority of the technology giants are busy building autonomous technology, there is one more system known as an automotive platooning system that somewhere can be linked to the driverless technology. But the only difference is it has a driver in the leading vehicle.

Automotive platooning in simple words operates like a herd of sheep. A sheep leads the way and rest of them blindly follow the track; but in the case of automotive platooning there is a smart technology integrated that drives the vehicles engaged in the platoon. This method of transportation comes with loads of societal and commercial advantages that include low fuel consumption, improved traffic flow, road safety, low shipping cost, and reduces CO2 emissions. Several nations have already initiated this technique with the collaboration of transporters, truck manufacturers, and shippers.

Coming onto its functioning and operation, the fleet of vehicles is connected through a wireless connection that can be controlled by the leading vehicle. The leading vehicle is driven by a professional driver with authorize driving license. Every action that is done by the leading vehicle, similar action is done by rest of the platooning vehicles. An electronic breadcrumb trail is generated by the lead truck and connected through a Wi-Fi link. With the help of the radar, the distance between the vehicles is automatically maintained by 5 Meters.

The automotive platooning system comprises of many extra efficient features such as radar-based adaptive cruise control, automated steering with an electric motor, camera, radar, automated emergency braking, and Wi-Fi set up.

The first practical road test was conducted by European road authorities in association with truck-OEMs. The event witnessed the participation of minimum 2-3 trucks from every OEMs such as MAN, Volvo, Daimler, DAFT, and Scania. The trucks that were originated from Sweden such as Volvo and Scania traveled the largest distance of more than 2,000 Km and drove through four borders.

Due to its high efficiency and reliable results, many of the shipping and logistic companies, on large number, are adopting this technology and implementing it in their fleet. Thus, growing demand of integrated system for automotive platooning is driving the growth of the global automotive platooning system market.