Volvo is equipping the upcoming model generation with technology for
autonomous driving from Luminar. The system should be able to take control on
highways.
Volvo is taking the next step towards autonomous driving. The cars of the next
model generation are to be equipped with lidar systems .As the manufacturer
reports, he has deepened the strategic partnership with the technology company
Luminar from Silicon Valley, which is developing the corresponding sensors.The
next generation of Volvo models, which will be based on the new modular
product architecture "SPA 2" from 2022 , will therefore have the necessary
hardware. The sensors working with laser pulses are integrated into the
vehicle roof above the windscreen. They scan the surroundings in three
dimensions and create a temporary map in real time . An internet connection is
not necessary.
What can the system really do?
With the so-called "Highway Pilot", Volvo wants to enable autonomous driving
on motorways , provided the legal framework permits. The extent to which
technology can actually take control remained open at first.
Luminar's technology is said to provide navigation and the ability to detect
obstacles and other objects that the camera and radar alone could not.
Henrik Green, Chief Technology Officer at Volvo Cars, is quoted in the
release: "A Volvo will soon be able to drive autonomously on highways if the
vehicle's technology decides that it is safe. At this point, the Volvo will
take over responsibility for driving. The driver can relax and take his hands
off the steering wheel . "
The software of the vehicles can be updated "over the air" with the necessary
and other functions .
On the way to series production:
With the closer cooperation, Volvo and Luminar also want to achieve an
increasing industrialization and validation of the lidar technology for series
production.
This was the only way to achieve the economies of scale required to bring the
technology to the automotive industry on a large scale.
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