- Audi's autonomous driving Traffic Jam Assistant, which may end up on the Audi A8 flagship in a few years, was unveiled at the 2012 CES.
- Audi says the technology "can relieve the driver at times when driving is not much fun."
- The Traffic Jam Assistant will allow the car to crawl in stop-and-go driving without any help from the driver.
LAS VEGAS — Audi's autonomous driving Traffic Jam Assistant, which may end up on the Audi A8 flagship in a few years, was unveiled at the 2012 CES.
Audi says the technology "can relieve the driver at times when driving is not much fun, such as in congested traffic."
The German automaker said the new system "helps to steer the car within certain constraints. It also accelerates and brakes autonomously." Audi said the system "can be used on expressways or in cities, provided that the course of the road is not too complex."
No word yet on what this setup will add to the bottom line. The driver activates the system with the push of a button.
The system, which is based on "the functionality of adaptive cruise control," is designed to work at speeds up to 37 mph. Two radar sensors monitor fan-shaped fields, each with a 21-degree scanning angle and a field stretching up to 820 feet. A wide-angle video camera monitors the lane markings and can detect other vehicles, pedestrians and guard rails. Eight ultrasonic sensors monitor zones directly in front of the car and at its corners.
The system is so sophisticated that the radar sensors not only detect the vehicle ahead, but also other vehicles in front of it. "This lets the system compute a caravan lane," said Audi.
Inside Line says: Audi takes a major step toward autonomous driving with what it calls a "visionary technology." But will there be any push-back from automotive purists?
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speed_radar says:
02:54 AM, 04/16/2012
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tysalpha says:
11:20 AM, 01/16/2012
A few dictators and oil barons aside (who have chauffeurs, anyway), the A8's target demographic isn't in the third world.
Snarking aside, this technology is awesome! I'm all for it. Just bring it down to the A4/ BMW 3 series/ Volvo S60 price range, and I'm in.
mrwhopee says:
06:03 AM, 01/16/2012
I wonder how it would handle third world traffic jams, with motorcycles zipping by and cutting in front of you only inches away from the car...
easym1 says:
05:02 PM, 01/14/2012
I just hope that the driver does not fall asleep...they should incorporate a system to make the driver alert at all times.
qdp says:
10:43 AM, 01/14/2012
If I own an Audi8, I would hire a chauffer
1198sp says:
11:24 PM, 01/13/2012
After the lawyers get through with it this will be useless. The highway laser cruise control systems force you to stay about a quarter mile behind the next vehicle. If this system leaves more than 1 car length ahead in traffic than prepare to suffer abuse from your fellow motorists.
bluejuke says:
10:21 PM, 01/13/2012
agree with mrbacon but also in my town when there are traffic jams ppl are constantly changing lanes and cutting others off, I could see this being a very jerky system
bluejuke says:
10:20 PM, 01/13/2012
agree with mrbacon but also in my town when there are traffic jams ppl are constantly changing lanes and cutting others off, I could see this being a very jerky system
smallfield says:
02:44 PM, 01/13/2012
Bet it doesn't work with 3 pedals. But I prefer to drive when I'm driving anyways.
I'll bet it is great for people that are texting, doing make-up, talking on the phone or reading the paper while driving.
addicted2sp33d says:
02:01 PM, 01/13/2012
What is that? Some kind of Audi Shooting Brake?