From da Vinci to cybersecurity: tracing the evolution of autonomous vehicles and ensuring safe platooning operations.

Since Leonardo da Vinci's creation of a self-propelled cart in the 1500s (Palmer. in Significant figures in world history p. 75--7, 2018), the evolution of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) has aimed to revolutionize transportation. While AVs promise improved safety, traffic efficiency, and industrial optimization by reducing human intervention, ensuring their security remains paramount. This paper provides a thorough literature review spanning from historical milestones to contemporary advancements in AV technology. It delves into the significance of Vehicular Ad-hoc NETworks (VANETs) for safety applications and underscores the critical role of speed harmonization and string stability in safeguarding AV platoons. Furthermore, the paper addresses cybersecurity threats targeting platoon networks, advocating for research into encryption mechanisms, road-side units, control algorithms, hybrid communications, and on-board system security to bolster communication security within platoons. By advocating for a balance between AV technological advancements and robust security measures, this paper facilitates safe and reliable AV platooning operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]