Volvo Cars Presents a Unique System Solution for Integrating Self-Driving Cars Into Real Traffic

PR59550

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Feb. 20 / PRN=KYODO JBN / --

    - With photo

    Volvo Cars presents a unique, complete system solution that makes it

possible to integrate self-driving cars into real traffic - with ordinary

people in the driver's seat.

    To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:

http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7443851-volvo-first-self-driving-car-system

    "We are entering uncharted territory in the field of autonomous driving,"

says Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development of Volvo

Car Group. "Taking the exciting step to a public pilot, with the ambition to

enable ordinary people to sit behind the wheel in normal traffic on public

roads, has never been done before."

    As the Drive Me project enters its second year, Volvo Cars is moving

rapidly towards the aim of placing 100 self-driving cars in the hands of

customers on selected roads around Gothenburg by 2017. The key to making this

unprecedented leap is a complex network of sensors, cloud-based positioning

systems and intelligent braking and steering technologies.

    "Autonomous driving will fundamentally change the way we look at driving.

In the future, you will be able to choose between autonomous and active

driving," says Dr Mertens. "This transforms everyday commuting from lost time

to quality time, opening up new opportunities for work and pleasure."

    Reliable and robust

    Volvo Cars' Autopilot system is designed to be reliable enough to allow the

car to take over every aspect of driving in autonomous mode. The main challenge

is to design an Autopilot that is robust for traffic scenarios as well as for

technical faults that may occur. It cannot be expected that the driver is ready

to suddenly intervene in a critical situation. Initially, the cars will drive

autonomously on selected roads with suitable conditions, for example without

oncoming traffic, cyclists and pedestrians.

    "Making this complex system 99 per cent reliable is not good enough. You

need to get much closer to 100 per cent before you can let self-driving cars

mix with other road users," says Dr Erik Coelingh, Technical Specialist at

Volvo Cars. "Here, we have a similar approach to that of the aircraft industry.

Backup systems will ensure that Autopilot will continue to function safely,

also if an element of the system were to become disabled."

    Handles complicated scenarios

    On the road, the complete technology solution shall handle even the most

complicated scenarios, from smooth commuting to heavy traffic and emergency

situations.

    "Just as good drivers would, potentially critical situations are approached

with sensible caution. In a real emergency, however, the car reacts faster than

most humans," says Erik Coelingh.

    When autonomous driving is no longer available - due to exceptional weather

conditions, technical malfunction or the end of the route has been reached -

the driver is prompted to take over again. If the driver does not take over in

time, the car will bring itself to a safe place to stop.

    "Developing a complete technological solution for self-driving cars is a

major step. Once the public pilot is up and running, it will provide us with

valuable knowledge about implementing self-driving cars in the traffic

environment, and help us explore how they can contribute to sustainable

mobility," says Erik Coelingh.

    Note to Editors:

    A picture/s accompanying this release is available through the PA

Photowire. It can be downloaded from http://www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or

viewed at http://www.mediapoint.press.net or http://www.prnewswire.co.uk .

    Contact

    Stefan Elfstrom

    Media Relations Manager

    Corporate Communications

    Volvo Car Corporation

    Dept. 50250/PVH50

    Goteborg

    Sweden

    Telephone +46-31-3251878

    (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140522/683630 )

    (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150219/727138 )

http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7443851-volvo-first-self-driving-car-system

SOURCE: Volvo Car Corporation