MOTORISTS could be able to “watch a movie or sleep” behind the wheel from 2021, according to a Volvo executive. The Swedish manufacturer has claimed their driverless technology will be ready for drivers to perform other tasks while on the road within the next three years. Henrik Green, Volvo’s Senior Vice President of Research and Development, told Jalopnik the company’s driverless system would allow motorists “to eat, sleep, work, watch a movie, relax or do whatever”. The system would allegedly be available for the marquee’s next generation of XC90 SUVs, and would operate on Level 4 autonomy – meaning no driver intervention is required. But the system wouldn’t work on just any road. According to Green, Volvo’s technology would only apply to major motorways, using mapping and laser technology to navigate the high-speed roads. The levels of autonomous driving Level 1: The first level of autonomy means the driver remains in control of the car the entire time. Steering and acceleration can be controlled by the car. These systems are already on sale and include self-parking and lane assit Level 2: These require drivers to pay attention to their surroundings and be prepared to “take control of the vehicle in specific situations”. Drivers have to keep their hands on the wheel just in case, too. Tesla Autopilot currently displays this level. Level 3: These cars can make decisions for themselves without the need for driver inputs in certain situations. The Audi A8 can offer this tech – regulation permitting – with the ability… [Read full story]
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