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Customer LoginsJLR to begin real-world testing of autonomous driving technology
JLR has announced that it is planning real-world road tests of autonomous driving technology in its cars, while its Land Rover brand has also shown off the potential for using it off-road.
IHS Automotive Perspective
- Significance: JLR has announced that it is planning real-world road tests of autonomous driving technology in its cars, while its Land Rover brand has also shown off the potential for using it off-road.
- Implications: JLR joins other automakers in the development of this technology, which is seen as a key area of growth in the automotive sector.
- Outlook: The functions revealed are likely to pave the way for greater acceptance of these driver assistance systems towards eventual full autonomy.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced that it will undertake real-world testing of Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) technologies as it builds up a fleet of 100 research vehicles over the next four years. Initially, a first group of cars will be driven on a new 41-mile test route on motorways and urban roads around Coventry and Solihull in the United Kingdom later this year. These will feature vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications technologies that will allow cars to talk to each other as well as roadside signs, overhead gantries and traffic lights. Functionality that will be tested includes:
- Roadwork Assist: Using a forward-facing stereo camera to generate a 3D view of the road together with advanced image processing software, the technology can recognise cones and barriers. The system will sense that the vehicle is approaching roadworks, identify an ideal path through the construction site and contraflows, and inform the driver that the road is narrowing ahead. The system will also be able to apply a small amount of steering assistance to help the driver remain in the centre of the lane.
- Safe Pullaway: An assistance system that uses the stereo camera to monitor the area immediately in front of the vehicle. Working in conjunction with signals from the accelerator pedal and gear selection, it can detect whether objects such as vehicles or walls will be hit. It will apply brakes automatically and develop an audible warnings system for a driver.
- Over The Horizon Warning: A project testing devices that use radio signals to transmit relevant data from vehicles that can warn of hazards and obstacles over the horizon or around blind bends.
- Hazard Ahead: Warning nearby vehicles if a vehicle has slowed or stopped and poses a risk, followed by visual and audible warnings to driver, informing the driver of the hazard.
- Emergency Vehicle Warning: Using signals broadcast by connected ambulances, police cars and fire engines to warn drivers of approaching emergency vehicles before audible or visual warnings are in range. The warnings would include an audible, in-car warning and visual warning indicating direction and how far away it is.
Head of Research at JLR Tony Harper said in a statement, "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. In traffic, for example, the driver could choose autonomy assist during tedious or stressful parts of the journey." He also noted that it would also work in the background to support safety.
Furthermore, Land Rover has revealed that it is continuing its work on autonomous driving technology for off-road applications. Fatures being developed include:
- Surface Identification and 3D Path Sensing: Combining camera, ultrasonic, radar and Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) sensors to give the vehicle a 360-degree view. Ultrasonic sensors can identify surface conditions by scanning up to five metres ahead of the car, so Terrain Response settings could be automatically changed before the car drives from tarmac to snow, or from grass to sand.
- Overhead Clearance Assist: Using the stereo camera technology, the vehicle will be able to scan for overhead obstructions such as branches (as part of 3D Path Sensing) or overhead barriers in car parks. The driver will also be able to programmes the vehicles height in to the system to take into account things carried on the roof. Warnings will be displayed as a message on the infotainment touchscreen.
- Terrain-Based Speed Adaption (TBSA): Sensors will be used to sense the roughness of the road or track using cameras. The information will be then used to assess the impact on the vehicle which can be then used to adjust the vehicles speed to maintain comfort levels.
- Off-Road Connected Convoy: The automaker has also demonstrated a system which connects two vehicles using "Dedicated Short Range Communications" (DSRC) technology. Two Range Rover Sports used a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) system that shared information including location, wheel slip, changes to suspension height and wheel articulation, as well as All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC) and Terrain Response settings.
Outlook and implications
Like many automakers, JLR is looking to develop its capability in the area of autonomous driving technologies, which are seen as one of the key areas of growth in the automotive sector over the next few years. Indeed, JLR has taken advantage of the UK government's close interest in this area, by being involved in a project known as UK Autodrive which undertakes testing in and around Coventry and Milton Keynes as well as smaller projects with further investment released earlier this year. Many of the technology areas here - particularly those related to off-road driving - are nuanced towards specific areas, which will push the capabilities of the sensors and its systems to its limits. However, those for road use could help increase the consumer acceptance of such systems in this eyes of JLR customers, and the move towards greater control being taken on by the vehicle. Like many OEMs, JLR is likely to phase in these technologies over time, although it remains to be seen at what rate this technology is brought to market.
About this article
The above article is from IHS Automotive Same-Day Analysis of automotive news, events and trends, and is a deliverable of the World Markets Automotive Service. The service averages thirty stories per day and also provides competitor and country intelligence. Get a free trial.