UK: Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover has embarked on a four-year project to develop and test a wide range of different autonomous vehicles. Under the project, a fleet of more than 100 driverless cars will be tested on British roads and motorways by 2020.
The initial tests will involve technologies that will allow cars to talk to each other and roadside signs, overhead gantries and traffic lights. It is expected that this will assist the driver and make lane changing and crossing junctions easier and safer.
Tony Harper, head of research at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Our connected and automated technology could help improve traffic flow, cut congestion and reduce the potential for accidents. “We will also improve the driving experience, with drivers able to choose how much support and assistance they need.
“Because the intelligent car will always be alert and is never distracted, it could guide you through road works and prevent accidents. If you are a keen driver, imagine being able to receive a warning that there’s a hazard out of sight or around a blind bend,” said Harper.
Technologies being used include Roadwork Assist which uses a camera to generate a 3D view of the road ahead, reports the Coventry Telegraph. The system can sense when the vehicle is approaching the start of the roadworks, identify an ideal path through complicated construction sites and contraflows, and inform the driver the road is narrowing ahead.
The system will then apply a small amount of steering assistance to the wheel to help the driver remain in the centre of a lane. Technologies being used include Roadwork Assist which uses a camera to generate a 3D view of the road ahead, reports the Coventry Telegraph.
The system can sense when the vehicle is approaching the start of the roadworks, identify an ideal path through complicated construction sites and contraflows, and inform the driver the road is narrowing ahead.
By allowing vehicles to communicate independently, drivers and autonomous cars could be warned of hazards and obstacles over the horizon or around blind bends. If a vehicle has slowed or stopped, and poses a risk to other motorists, it would send a ‘Hazard Ahead’ warning to nearby vehicles.
Emergency Vehicle Warning will allow connected ambulances, police cars or fire engines to communicate with other vehicles on the road – a device in the emergency vehicle would broadcast that it is approaching before the driver could see or hear flashing lights and sirens.
