A dual-car system for proving ground mileage accumulation tests

As a first step toward the realization of a fully automated road test facility for vehicles, a dual-car system has been developed to allow one driver to simultaneously operate two test vehicles. The system consists of a lead vehicle with driver, a servo-operated driverless trailing vehicle, and a zero-force mechanical connecting link. An electronic controller, coupled with throttle, brake, and steer servo motors, drives the trail vehicle to mimic the lead vehicle and its driver. The nominal zero-force link, which is six metres long, uses transducers to provide information for the servo operation of the trail vehicle, and allows safe management of the system in the event of a vehicle or system malfunction.