Jaguar Land Rover to begin UK real-world tests of autonomous technologies

14 July 2016

Story from FleetWorld.

Under the plans, the carmaker will roll out a fleet of more than 100 research vehicles over the next four years, with the first of these research cars to be driven on a new 41-mile test route on motorways and urban roads around Coventry and Solihull later this year.

Initial tests will cover vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications technologies that will allow cars to talk to each other and roadside signs, overhead gantries and traffic lights.

The ultimate plan is to use data sharing between vehicles to allow future connected cars to co-operate and work together to assist the driver and make lane changing and crossing junctions easier and safer.

Tony Harper, head of research, 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. In traffic, for example, the driver could choose autonomy assist during tedious or stressful parts of the journey."

New systems on trial include Roadwork Assist, which uses a forward-facing stereo camera to generate a 3D view of the road ahead and recognise cones and barriers together with advanced image processing software, and guide the vehicle to the centre of the narrow lane.

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