Volvo goes head-to-head with Tesla as the first automaker to test self-driving cars with NO ONE behind the wheel

VOLVO is set to conduct the world’s first self-driving car test without a driver behind the wheel

The Swedish car maker has announced plans to test its Ride Pilot driverless technology on California roads by the middle of this year.

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Volvo says the test of the future technology will be “unsupervised,” meaning no qualified driver gets behind the wheel.

That makes it the world’s first fully self-driving car test.

Volvo’s all-electric SUV, scheduled to launch in 2023, boasts a Luminar LiDAR sensor with five radars, eight cameras and 16 ultrasonic sensors to ensure no hazards are missed on the road. Street.

“We are proud to announce the planned US launch of our first truly unattended autonomous driving feature,” said Volvo’s head of research and development, Mats Moberg. me, as we aim to set a new industry standard for autonomy without compromising safety.

“[This is] a game changer for Volvo Cars, as well as for automotive safety and autonomous driving. “

The automaker teamed up with Luminar-based road safety technology company Zensact and artificial intelligence to build the Ride Pilot and plan the daring tests.

Ride Pilot is Volvo’s name for its self-driving technology, which combines a user interface and hardware under the bonnet to enable driverless journeys.

“Ride Pilot aims to free up more time for customers and make driving Volvo more convenient and enjoyable,” the company said.

A software update installed remotely means the Ride Pilot will be fully autonomous after you buy the car, it added.

Volvo plans to release the Ride Pilot in California first, followed by a worldwide rollout.

But conducting the trial still depends on registration from local regulatory agencies.

The company added: “Ride Pilot will only be offered to customers once it has undergone Volvo Cars’ rigorous testing and verification process.”

Self-driving technology has found its way to UK cars in the form of Tesla Autopilot features and other facilities’ parking assistance Technology.

But Volvo’s plan is much more ambitious.

Instead of using self-driving components to enhance the traditional driving experience, Volvo’s announcement shows that its driverless technology will replace all aspects of driving.

It’s not yet clear how the new technology will affect motorists’ auto insurance premiums.

Uswitch car insurance expert Florence Codjoe told The Sun: “The vast majority of road accidents are caused by human error.

“Driver Assist Technology is committed to trying to reduce the causes of accidents while driving.

“So self-driving technology will certainly help to reduce more accidents caused by human error, thereby reducing the risk posed by insurance companies.

“Insurers will need to consider how premiums are priced with such vehicles, now that less risk is involved.”

Meanwhile, Compare the market predicts there will be a “driverless car insurance” policy to cover all self-driving vehicles.

That’s because insurers expect to cover accidents “due to car system failure”, while motorists will face the cost of human error.

It’s pretty clear how the difference will be decided is another question left unanswered.

It was thought that completely unmanned engines would on British roads by the end of 2021, But that did not happen.

However, travel experts have estimated the unmanned engine will as popular as a taxi Within two years.