Audi has progressed its driver assistance technology so far that you don't even need to be behind the wheel. What better way to terrify other road users than an unmanned car that can find and collect you with a single command from your smartphone?
The autonomous A7, demonstrated at CES 2013, uses a range of cameras, sensors and network data to navigate unaccompanied from your garage to your current location without running anyone down. This prototype is the ultimate conclusion of the sophisticated and very real electronics that will be assisting Audi drivers this year.
Wired.co.uk followed Audi to NAIAS (north American international motor show) to find out more.
For now, the technology is designed to take the monotony out of driving and improve road safety rather than replace the driver. So Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go uses radar to bounce signals off the car in front and follow it at a set distance without you touching the pedals. Meanwhile, Adaptive Cruise Control analyses the data from 30 sensors all around the car to steer you on your chosen route and respond to complex scenarios that might arise.
Your speed is also optimised by the MMI Navigation Plus system that looks at networked data of the rout ahead. A camera mounted behind the rear view mirror is able to recognise and read the speed signs at the roadside in case they differ from the digital speed limit.
And if it all goes wrong, Audi Pre Sense will step in to save your bacon. At the sign of potential hazards, you'll see a visual and audible warning. But responding to info from the ESP sensors, like hard braking or skidding, the windows and sun roof will close, while electric motors tighten your seatbelt ready for impact.
There's even a thermal imaging camera with a 24-degree scanning angle, giving your car night sight in the far infrared region (FIR). That's 300 meters in total darkness, and unlike our feeble eyes, it's not affected by the glare of oncoming headlights. In fact, sitting in this autonomous automobile we're beginning to feel like the weakest link.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
