Welcome to the Autonomous Convoy project!
Project Overview
The Path-following Autonomous Convoy with Multiple Asynchronous Nodes (PACMAN) consists of two or more Autonomous Convoy Vehicles (ACVs) that follow the path designated by a lead vehicle without any form of communication between leader and followers. Each ACV employs infrared cameras to detect IR LEDs on the vehicle it follows; tracking information from the cameras is processed by an FPGA control unit and dictates where the ACV should be driven. The PACMAN project utilizes adapted remote-controlled cars as convenient and inexpensive ACVs, but is meant to serve as a proof of concept for future use in full-size military convoy vehicles.
Video Demonstrations
Three demonstration videos are available on the deliverables page. The first is a short video showing how the path accuracy improved as the algorithm developed; the second is a video showing the acceptance testing of the following distance, following speed, and turning radius of the system; the third is a video showing multiple ACVs following a lead vehicle and the onboard viewpoint of a following vehicle.
