Self Driving Audi

-Chris-

Personally I think this technology would freak me out rather than relax me. What does anyone else think?

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/235658/selfdrive_audi_spied_on_the_road.html

Auto Express wrote: »

‘Self-drive’ Audi spied on the road
Cutting-edge A8 fitted with self-drive cameras spied on test

By Dan Strong - Auto Express Car Reviews
08th May 2009

The phrase ‘keep your eyes on the road’ could soon become a thing of the past... as these dramatic pictures are the first evidence that Audi is set to stun the world with a car capable of driving itself!

According to our spies, this prototype A8 has been fitted with three video cameras, designed to scan the road for potential hazards. Two are mounted where the foglights would usually be, and one is attached to the rear view mirror. Images from these cameras are then fed into a computer, which plots the direction and proximity of nearby objects.

When the set-up is fully functioning, it’s thought this information could be used to help the car avoid accidents, or even steer it down a winding road. Similar technology, also employing a series of cameras, has already been demonstrated by Honda in its Legend and Accord.

The Japanese company’s passive system is described as being a safety feature, and a device to help tired drivers stay in the right lane. However, the work being done on this Audi is thought to move on this existing technology and play a far greater role in the car’s on-road behaviour.

Insiders at the German firm insist that the system – which drivers will be able to switch off – is still some way from the showroom. Best estimates suggest a model fitted with the innovation is unlikely to hit the road before 2012.

Drummerboy08

I agree. I'd be scared sh*tless driving that at any speed with no control over it!

Creamy Goodness

Didn't I see a S-class merc and a BMW do this on top gear already?

Mena

I'm a pure control freak, I could never live with this. Hell, you may as well take a bus...

Anan1

Very handy if you were planning on having a few drinks!

homer90

Do'nt know if I could live with either...... I remember using cruise control for the first time ....... weird feeling !!

Not an Audi (sorry) but something similar on TG

antodeco

Three cameras? HWIST will be back to its old self in no time

robbie99

It's a good R&D project. I don't think there's any intention to put whole 'Self-Drive' shebang into production but they could learn loads from this. Just as ABS braking has progressed to 'Brake assist', some smart crash avoidance safety features could spawn off from it and reach the showrooms.

Gregor Samsa

this prototype A8 has been fitted with three video cameras [...] Two are mounted where the foglights would usually be

This won't sit well with half the drivers on the roads.

bazzachazza

Would take all the fun and enjoyment out of driving.

CianRyan

homer90 wrote: »

Do'nt know if I could live with either...... I remember using cruise control for the first time ....... weird feeling !!

Not an Audi (sorry) but something similar on TG

That in an M3 would be the scariest thing ever.
I WANT IT!

CianRyan

bazzachazza wrote: »

Would take all the fun and enjoyment out of driving.

It's reall the kind of thing you'd use once to show off to your mates isn't it?
I'm sure you can drive the car normally aswell, hence him beng behind the wheele, and there being a wheele and pedals.

Dartz

Self driving Audi's

Part of a research program to teach a computer how to be an arrogant lane-hogging arsehole...Or so I hear

Now if you'll excuse me, I have a long journey ahead with my Laguna, and my legs are still wrecked from the last one...