Abstract: Methods and apparatus that reduce demands on behavior of autonomous vehicles operating in a convoy, such as lane following or leader swap. A follower vehicle receives information regarding a path that a leader vehicle has followed. The follower generally follows the leader's path while being free to also observe its own lateral or lane constraints. In particular, lateral control of the follower, that is control of its relative location transverse to the road (e.g., its position relative to travel lanes) may deviate temporarily from the leader's path. This can make it easier for the follower to observe lane discipline, such as by eliminating the tendency, using line-of-sight distance, for the follower to speed up and close a gap to the leader while negotiating a curve.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling two or more vehicles travelling in formation. Selected vehicles may be fully or partially autonomously controlled; at least one vehicle is partially controlled by a human driver. Information is collected at each vehicle and from the drivers and it is shared with other vehicles and drivers to create a shared world model. Aspects of the shared world model may be presented to the human driver, who may then respond with a control input. Autonomy systems and the drivers on the vehicles then collaborate to make a collective decision to act or not to act and execute any such action in a coordinated manner.

Abstract: Techniques for operating an autonomous follower vehicle that is following a leader vehicle. A desired path to be traversed by the follower may be determined from a Leader Follower Relative Pose (LFRP) derived from sensor data. A pursuit pose is derived along the desired path from the present leader pose, such as either interpolating backward or forward. As a result, the pursuit distance no longer needs to be the same as the distance derived solely from the LFRP. This permits steering controls (lateral position) to be freed from requirements to satisfy safety constraints that might otherwise be imposed by other considerations (such as longitudinal spacing between vehicles).

Abstract: In some scenarios, the approach may be used with two or more vehicles travelling in formation where selected vehicles may be fully or partially autonomously controlled. Information is collected at each vehicle and from the drivers and it is shared with other vehicles and drivers to make a collective decision to enter or leave autonomy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling two or more vehicles travelling in formation. Selected vehicles may be fully or partially autonomously controlled; at least one vehicle is partially controlled by a human driver. Information is collected at each vehicle and from the drivers and it is shared with other vehicles and drivers to create a shared world model. Aspects of the shared world model may be presented to the human driver, who may then respond with a control input. Autonomy systems and the drivers on the vehicles then collaborate to make a collective decision to act or not to act and execute any such action in a coordinated manner.

Abstract: An approach to arrange sensors needed for automated driving, especially where semitrailer trucks are operating in an autonomous convoy with one automated or semi-automated truck following another. The sensors are fitted to a location adjacent to or within the exterior rearview mirrors, on each of the left- and right-hand side of the tractor. The sensors provide overlapping fields of view looking forward of the vehicle and to both the left and right hand sides at the same time.