Longitudinal control of the lead car of a platoon

The work presented here belongs to the area of Intelligent Highway Vehicle Systems (IHVS). In particular it deals with the scenario where cars move along the highway in tightly spaced platoons. We present the control schemes that perform the major longitudinal tasks that will be required from the lead vehicle of a platoon moving on an automated highway. In particular schemes that maintain safe spacing, track an optimal velocity and perform various maneuvers (forming, breaking up platoons and changing lanes) are described.