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Automated Driving
Audi has long been a driving force in the area of highly-automated driving, and has repeatedly documented its progress in this technology with spectacular demonstrations. With the Audi AI traffic jam pilot, the brand with the four rings presents the world’s first system that enables SAE level 3 conditional automation.
The function for piloted driving in traffic jams, which Audi is currently moving to production, is based on existing assistance systems such as Audi adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist. At speeds between 0 and 65 km/h (40.4 mph), the system will take over acceleration, braking and steering from the driver, if desired, providing some relief from stress in congested highway traffic. When the traffic jam dissolves or the road ends, the computer prompts the driver to take over the driving again.
The super brain of piloted driving is the central driver assistance control unit (zFAS). It uses state-of-the-art, high-performance processors to evaluate the signals from all sensors in retail and compute maneuvers. A radar system scans the area in front of the car while a video camera detects lane markings, guardrails, pedestrians and other vehicles. A laser scanner delivers high-precision data about objects up to 80 meters (262.5 ft) away. Furthermore, as many as twelve ultrasonic sensors and four cameras monitor the entire area surrounding the car. The zFAS then uses all this sensor data to compute a model of the surroundings that describes the prevailing traffic situation in great detail. This enables very early detection by the system of vehicles moving into the lane in front of the vehicle, for example.
Audi thus already has the production-ready technology at its disposal for the first piloted driving system. The new functions this enables can significantly expand the role of the automobile as an emotional, comfortable and modern environment. Audi is taking a holistic approach to this subject, as the added “comfort time” in addition to the increased safety offer significant customer benefits.
Press Releases
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Myths about autonomous driving
Will self-driving cars soon be a reality? And how will people’s attitude have to change to ensure autonomous driving meets with broad acceptance? The &Audi study “SocAIty”, compiled with the help of renowned experts, looks into these questions, among others. It also clears up some of the widespread myths surrounding the topic. What is true? And what is not? -
“Sleeping while Driving into the Weekend? Not yet…“
In late July 2021, a new German law went into effect that will allow fully automated vehicles* to drive regularly in public traffic within designated areas of operation in the future. But for which vehicles will that actually be feasible? How far along is the mobility of the future project in this country? The broad-ranging &Audi "SocAIty" study follows up on these questions. Uta Klawitter, Head of General Counsel Legal Services at Audi, is working with her team, which is focused on addressing the legal question of automation, and providing answers concerning the legal parameters of automated and autonomous driving. -
The 2021 “SocAIty” study: “We are leaving the ivory tower and moving the dialog into the public sphere”
Law, ethics, and data protection: the future of autonomous driving is raising questions. The 2021 “SocAIty” study from the &Audi Initiative offers possible solutions and stimulates public discourse regarding the new technology and the mobility landscape of the future. In an interview about the Initiative, Project Manager Saskia Lexen talks about insights from the study and the social dimensions of autonomous driving.