Model in the Loop Optimization of Classic Cruise Control into Cooperative ACC

The introduction of Cruise Control revolutionized driving by maintaining a steady speed without constant accelerator adjustments. However, Cruise Control couldn't adapt to traffic conditions or maintain safe distances. Adaptive Cruise Control improved on this by using sensors to detect and adjust speed based on the car in front, adapting to traffic flow. Even with these technologies, the systems still struggle to manage the time interval during rapid changes in speed, which can lead to instability or even collisions. These problems are solved with Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control by enabling communication between vehicles, to optimize speed and safety in real time. This paper presents a proof-of-concept design for longitudinal vehicle speed control following Model-in-the-Loop simulations. It aims to emphasize the shift from traditional cruise control to cooperative adaptive cruise control and exemplify the value and promises these strategies offer in modern vehicle systems.