them, and when there is a collision between vehicles within a platoon, it is likely to be a low-impact one because of the close spacing. Platooning has significant benefits with respect to fuel economy and emissions, reducing fuel consumption by almost one-half because of smooth traffic flow and reduced air resistance. Rider response has shown that platooning is comfortable for passengers because its tight control performance inspires confidence.

Other marker and sensor technologies for vehicle control have been developed and tested. These include vision-based lateral control, scanning laser-and radar-based range measurement and obstacle detection, and radar-reflective metallic stripes on roadways.

From an engineering perspective, the AHS program has several important and rare features. It has a profound impact on the day-to-day lives of virtually all individuals and on society as a whole. It brings together diverse engineering fields—civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. It involves diverse institutions representing a wide range of public and private concerns. It opens rewarding research and development areas in the context of a concrete application. It poses institutional challenges with respect to the deployment of AHS technologies.

The August 1997 NAHSC demonstration firmly established the technical feasibility of the different AHS technologies. Remaining institutional and technical challenges to AHS deployment will likely be resolved over the next decade.

Front Matter (R1-R10)

Biomechanics (1-20)

Sensors and Control for Manufacturing Processes (21-38)

Safety and Security Issues (39-76)

Decision-Making Tools for Design and Manufacturing (77-88)

Intelligent Transportation Systems (89-102)

Dinner Speech (103-108)

Appendixes (109-125)