Innovating Automated Driving
Continental has been at the forefront of highly automated driving on highways since 2012 when they began testing systems like the Cruising Chauffeur on public roads in Nevada. This innovative technology allows vehicles to take over the driving task on highways in compliance with national traffic regulations. With a global fleet of development vehicles in Germany, the U.S.A., Japan, and China, Continental is paving the way for a new era of mobility.
Division of Tasks Between Driver and Vehicle
One of the key aspects of the Cruising Chauffeur is the clear division of tasks between the driver and the vehicle. While the vehicle handles the driving on highways, the driver is responsible for taking back control at the end of the highway stretch. To facilitate this handover, a specially developed system is implemented in the vehicles. Even in cases where the driver is unable to respond, the vehicle is equipped to safely stop autonomously. This is achieved through the implementation of a minimum risk maneuver, where the vehicle identifies a suitable stopping location and navigates towards it automatically.
Safety and Future Outlook
Safety is a top priority in the development of the Cruising Chauffeur. The system is designed to ensure a smooth transition of control between the driver and the vehicle, even in unforeseen circumstances. In situations where the driver is incapacitated or unable to resume control, the vehicle is capable of bringing itself to a safe stop. With plans for production readiness by 2020, the Cruising Chauffeur represents the future of highway driving, offering enhanced safety and convenience for drivers.