Audi has promised to launch a fully self-driving car by
2021.
The target date is a popular one as it’s close enough to be
practical but at the same time far enough that should the target be missed few
are likely to remember. Other automakers with a similar target include BMW,
Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Tesla and Volvo.
Audi’s self-driving car will be a small city car produced in
limited numbers and most likely for trial use only rather than for direct sale
to the public. Audi first hinted at a small city car with the unveiling of the Urban concept car at
the 2011 Frankfurt auto show.
Audi has been tasked with developing self-driving technology
for the Volkswagen Group. In March, it established the standalone unit
Autonomous Intelligent Driving which is focused on developing the technology, dubbed
Piloted Driving by the automaker.
We won’t have to wait until 2021 to see an Audi with
self-driving capability, however. In June, Audi will unveil a redesigned A8 sedan. It will be
the first model to offer Level 3 self-driving capability,
meaning that in certain situations the car will be able to handle itself,
providing the driver with a hands-off, eyes-off experience. Outside of those
situations, the driver will be forced to take over.
Audi’s self-driving car due in 2021 will likely be a Level 4
car. This means it will be able to handle itself in certain situations, but
outside of those situations the car will be able to bring itself safely to a
stop should the driver fail to respond. This is the key difference to a Level 3
self-driving car. A Level 5 self-driving car is the ultimate goal. This is
where a car can handle itself in all situations, thus requiring no driver on
board.
source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1110593_audi-promises-fully-self-driving-car-by-2021
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com
No comments:
Post a Comment