Stage Definition for AHS Deployment and an AHS Evolutionary Scenario

Pros and cons of various mature Automated Highway Systems (AHS) have been a subject of intense study. However. such discussions are nothing but intellectual exercises unless the issue of how to evolve. in a planned and managed fashion, the current highway systems towards these mature AHS is also addressed. Since full functionality of a mature AHS cannot be realized suddenly. discrete functional steps must be identified and optimized. This paper defines an evolutionary stage towards a mature AHS as any discernible functional increment whose realization may encounter considerable difficulties requiring a significant amount of conscious effort to overcome. A good evolutionary scenario consists of stages each of which provides sufficient additional functionality that justifies the required effort to overcome the associated difficulties. Six dimensions of deployment difficulties are identified: technology. infrastructure. human factors. vehicle manufacturing and maintenance. insur­ ance and public will. An illustrative evolutionary scenario is also provided. Since issues reg • rding deploying AHS in the rea/11·or/d actually dictate AHS technological requirements. deployment research should be an integral part of AHS concept definition/evaluation and system design.