Evaluation of a fuzzy system-based automotive copilot dedicated to lateral guidance

A fuzzy copilot system called RPV has been developed to lighten the driver´s task in the lateral control of his vehicle. Fuzzy systems were designed and embedded with various sensors on a passenger car to perform the lateral control of the vehicle. A fuzzy controller outputs a torque command, which is applied to the steering column to steer the vehicle along a desired immaterial trajectory, while a fuzzy diagnosis monitors the driver´s steering actions and intentions. This enables a supervisor to trigger the adequate driving strategy in accordance with driver expectations. The paper presents encouraging results from field-test experiments based on drivers´ point of view, taking benefit from a positive cooperation of fuzzy logic and ergonomics