BMW, Opel Join Autonomous Driving Research Project See All 6 Photos Research This

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Home > WOT > BMW, Opel Join Autonomous Driving Research Project
BMW, Opel Join Autonomous Driving Research
Project
By Karla Sanchez | May 18, 2014 |
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It seems as though everyone is jumping on the autonomous-driving bandwagon lately, and
BMW and Opel are no exception. The two automakers have joined a new self-driving initiative
dubbed the UR:BAN research project, which focuses specifically on - you guessed it --urban
environments.
Autonomous driving is one thing on the highway, but it's completely
different in the city. This new project takes all that into account and
focuses on all the complex traffic situations that could also
potentially involve pedestrians. Funded in part by the German
government, the UR:BAN project will continue through 2016 and
focus on three different aspects: cognitive assistance, networked
traffic system, and human factors in traffic. Cognitive assistance targets collision avoidance by
steering and braking, and both BMW and Opel are developing driver assistance systems to
tackle that. BMW has been testing the tech on a BMW 5 Series, which already recognizes the
shape of pedestrian and which way it's moving. The way it does this is with algorithms that
evaluate situations. Opel, on the other hand, relies on advanced cameras on radar with its
system.
"Network traffic system" aims at lowering emissions by making use
of information on when traffic lights will switch. This will help drivers
approach the intersections at a comfortable speed that will allow
them to hit green lights so that they don't have to stop. This will also
help in improving traffic. BMW implemented the tech in X5 and 4
Series test vehicles, but testing won't start until later this year. The
last pillar, "Human Factors in Traffic," focuses on driver behavior prediction and intention
recognition by use of algorithms.
Volvo has also been working hard around the clock testing autonomous cars in the city by
installing magnets in the road.
Source: BMW, Opel
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http://wot.motortrend.com/bmw_opel_join_autonomous_driving_research_project.html 19.05.2014