Leader Follower Technology – The Future of Logistics

Both the HX trucks from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) and the 4×4 MRZR vehicles from Polaris were used to demonstrate the diverse application possibilities of the technology in different environments.

Leader Follower Technology

The leader-follower technology now being tested by Rheinmetall is an advanced system that allows multiple vehicles to be controlled by just one driver – like a train, but without tracks. Essentially, this means that one or more vehicles automatically follow a leading vehicle (the “leader”) without the need for human drivers to control the following vehicles (the “followers”).

This technology is not only used in logistical and industrial applications in a military context, but can also be developed for civilian purposes.

Key features of the follower leader technique:

1. Automated driving: The “pilot” is controlled by a human driver or autonomously, while “followers” ​​track its movements, speed and direction in real time.
2. Connected Vehicles: The subordinate vehicles are linked to the commander through communication systems such as GPS, lidar, cameras, and wireless networks. These sensors and systems allow for precise tracking of the commander’s position and movements.
3. Potential uses: Used, for example, in military convoys or in warehouse logistics.
4. Benefits: Key benefits include increased efficiency, reduced manpower required, reduced human errors, and improved cost.

Leader-follower technology is now seen as a key component of future autonomous transportation solutions. Leader-follower technology can be integrated into both current and future vehicles.

Rheinmetall’s latest HX truck demonstration shows how well this technology is compatible with existing NATO vehicles. For military forces, the successful use of Commander-Subordinate technology means that logistics performance can be increased even with reduced troop numbers.

Demonstration of the leader-follower technology in the UK

For the demonstration, the HX truck was equipped as a “Leader” with a special set, while three other vehicles were equipped with so-called “A” and “B” sets. These devices were then able to communicate wirelessly and independently with the convoy.

During the subsequent flight, the vehicles were able to navigate easily on unpaved roads and tracks, and were able to maneuver through difficult wooded terrain. The demonstration demonstrated the system’s flexibility and versatility in different scenarios and how it enables logistics to be distributed more efficiently across different types of vehicles.

The Rheinmetall InterRoc team has already achieved first place in the “Automated Convoy” category at the European Ground Robotics Experience (ELROB) 2024. This success was made possible by the combination of the HX truck and the PATH Autonomy Kit.

Leader-follower technology could be useful in enclosed areas, such as warehouses, or at military sites. But as with self-driving cars on the road, there are still many unanswered questions about whether it should also be used on civilian roads.