Lane Free

Lane-free driving, a system relying on connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) to navigate without designated lanes, aims to increase road capacity and efficiency. Current research focuses on developing sophisticated control algorithms, often employing multi-agent deep reinforcement learning, to manage CAV interactions and ensure safe, coordinated maneuvers, including intersection crossings. These algorithms consider factors like collision avoidance, speed maintenance, and passenger comfort, often incorporating concepts like "nudging" forces to guide vehicle movements. The potential impact lies in significantly improving traffic flow and throughput, particularly at intersections, as demonstrated by simulations showing substantial capacity increases compared to traditional systems.