What's the news?
Jaguar Land Rover has revealed some of its developments with autonomous technology, designed to allow self-driving cars to go anywhere. It has created a Range Rover Sport that can be driven from outside the car via a smartphone app and a Range Rover that can perform 'three-point turns'.
The remote control app controls steering, brakes and accelerator plus the ability to switch between high and low range. For difficult off-roading situations, the driver can use the app to guide the while walking alongside or ahead to assess the condition of the ground. Even if you never venture off-road, the app could be used to get out of a car park space when another vehicle is so close the driver's door can't be opened. For safety, it only works if it can detect the smart key and as long as the driver is within 10 metres of the car and will stop if there's a danger of running over the driver. It also limits the maximum speed to 4mph.
The 'Multi-Point Turn' Range Rover can turn itself through 180 degrees whilst avoiding pedestrians and other vehicles. Although not yet production ready the idea is that the system would assess the environment and advise if it is suitable to perform the turn. The driver would confirm the manoeuvre allowing the car to move forward and turn until it encountered an obstacle. It would then automatically select reverse and steer; repeating the process until car is facing the opposite direction.
Anything else?
Jaguar Land Rover's goal is to make autonomous cars with 'go anywhere' capability. Making everything work depends on a variety of sensors including radar, LIDAR, cameras, ultrasonics and structured light technology. The company has stated it wants, 'to create driver-focussed autonomous technologies to enhance the driving experience'.