Volkswagen has revealed its "Temporary Auto Pilot" (TAP), a semi-automatic interface that links existing car technology to help prevent accidents - and brings driverless production cars a step closer.
TAP bundles together active car safety features such as adaptive cruise control and Lane Assist in one function, enabling the car to drive itself semi-automatically at speeds of nearly 130km/h . VW is at pains to point out, though, that "the driver always retains driving responsibility and is always in control," - according to Prof. Dr. Jürgen Leohold, Executive Director Volkswagen Group Research.
TAP is intended to work primarily to prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue or inattention. In the semi-automatic driving mode - or Pilot Mode - TAP maintains a safe distance between itself and the car in front, monitoring the speed set by the driver and braking, if necessary, before a corner, as well as keeping within lane markings. Overtaking restrictions and speed limits are monitored and observed too, although the driver must remain alert to intervene in the event of an unexpected incident happening.
"One conceivable scenario for its initial use might be in monotonous driving situations, e.g. in traffic jams or over sections of a driving route that are exceedingly speed-limited," explains Leohold.
Previous research vehicles have utilised technology that isn't currently used in mainstream car manufacture; TAP, by way of contrast, uses only familiar technology such as radar-, camera- and ultrasonic-sensors, all of which are more readily available and cost-effective.
At the final presentation of the EU research project HAVEit (Highly Automated Vehicles for Intelligent Transport), Dr Leohold explained: "Above all, what we have achieved today is an important milestone on the path towards accident-free car driving."