In January, BMW Group and Continental signed an agreement to jointly develop an electronic co-pilot system capable of supporting highly automated driving. The main goal of the research partnership is to have highly automated driving functions ready for implementation from 2020.
At the social, political, economic and scientific level, a clear vision has now emerged for road safety - in the form of 'Vision Zero (Accident-Free Mobility)' and 'Safety for All'. The research project on highly automated driving will aim to implement this vision and to take a major step towards making accident-free mobility a reality. In addition to the safety aspect, the researchers also see opportunities for significantly improved convenience and efficiency.
Both companies agree that highly automated driving will play a major part in ensuring sustainable personal mobility in future.
In mid-2011, a BMW Group Research and Technology test vehicle underwent a public road test on the A9 motorway between Munich and Nuremberg - with no driver intervention.
This research prototype, which is still undergoing continuous improvement, braked, accelerated and overtook other vehicles entirely autonomously, while at the same time always adapting to the current traffic situation and adhering to traffic rules. The sensing is performed by a fusion of diverse and complementary sensor technologies including all-round LIDaR (Light detection and ranging), radar, ultrasound and camera scanning.
