Volkswagen Takes To The Roads With Automation
Germany will see its first Level 4 automated driving trials after Volkswagen revealed that it is to begin testing in real driving conditions in Hamburg.
The trials will take place on a specially developed section of the road network in the German city, which earmarked as a testbed for automated and connected driving. Volkswagen has selected a range of specially adapted e-Golfs, which come complete with laser-scanners, cameras, ultrasonic sensors and radars.
Axel Heinrich, head of Volkswagen Group research, said, “The tests center on technical possibilities as well as urban infrastructure requirements. To make driving even safer and more comfortable in future, vehicles not only have to become autonomous and more intelligent – cities must also provide a digital ecosystem that enables vehicles to communicate with traffic lights and traffic management systems as well as with one another.”
The initial testbed is 1.9 miles long, but the Hamburg authorities are developing a longer stretch of road, which will include upgraded traffic lights which will connect to the automated cars. The partnership is aiming to optimize traffic flows in the city area.