Renault obstacle-avoidance technology “as good as professional test drivers”
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIVTKhFcvT0
Renault has demonstrated its latest autonomous driving systems, including obstacle avoidance technology “as good as professional test drivers”.
The systems are a product of the Renault Open Innovation Lab, focused on improving active safety and autonomous driving systems within the broader ‘Groupe Renault.’ Based in the Silicon Valley, the lab was basing its work on research conducted by Stanford University.
According to the company, the systems are another step towards “mind-off” driving technology in mainstream vehicles, and complement the active safety systems currently featuring in Renault-Nissan vehicles.
“At Groupe Renault, we are focused on being an innovation leader in products, technology and design,” said Simon Hougard, director of Renault Open Innovation Lab, Silicon Valley. “Our innovation efforts aim at developing advanced autonomous driving technologies that consumers can trust will create a safer, more comfortable journey.”
The technology is fitted to a Zoe EV, and was put to the test on a makeshift course in the video above. Having sent the professional driver down the track, Renault sent ‘Callie’ along at the same speed and, as you’d hope, it managed to successfully navigate the obstacles.
Earlier this year, the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi alliance laid out its plan for a “highly autonomous” driver assist ready for the highway in 2018, and the city in 2020. A fully-autonomous car is planned for 2022.
That timeline broadly mirrors plans laid out by a number of other automakers when it comes to autonomy. BMW is planning to have the self-driving iNext on the market in 2021, while Ford wants to have an autonomous taxi for Lyft ahead of 2021 as well.
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