The technology and automotive markets are now working hand in hand to change the way we’ll drive in the future. Driverless cars look like they’ll be playing a part in our live in the near future, but what about right now? Audi is considered one of the biggest companies when it comes to manufacturing luxury vehicles, but there’s brains beneath that beauty.
Driver Assistant Systems
Driver assistant systems like park assist or new lighting technology aim to make our daily commute not only easier, but also much safer. Using a combination of ultrasound, acoustic, and optical signals, the system can locate nearby available spaces. Audi says that the side-mounted, ultrasound sensors are able to scan the location even when driving at a moderate speed. The on-board monitor is then able to use images from the rear-view camera will then notify you of a suitable spot.
Once prompted, you’ll be able to put the vehicle in reverse where the system will take control of the electromagnetic steering. From here on, you’ll still control the acceleration, gears, and brakes. During this period, the system is able to make multiple manoeuvres both backwards and forwards to ensure the best possible fit.
Virtual Cockpit
Audi’s virtual cockpit technology combines the functions of a central MMI monitor and conventional instrument cluster in one. Currently only seen in the new Audi TT, available from Ridgeway, the 12.3-inch TFT display displays everything in direct view above the steering wheel, and offers the choice of two different modes: “classic view” or “infotainment mode.” While in classic view, the speedometer and rev counter are the dominant images, whereas infotainment mode gives you more access to information such as a satellite navigation system, media features, and Audi connect, the company’s own network between you and the online world.
What powers this feature is the quad-core Tegra 30 chip from Nvidia Tegra 3. This kind of technology is usually used to powers the high-end graphics that are now possible in leading smartphones and tablets, and Audi is the first to use it in this capacity. The graphics processor is capable of generating sixty frames per second which ensures that the needles of the speedometer and rev counter are always displayed accurately.
While the long predicted hover cars remain a piece of science-fiction, companies like Audi are proving that you can incorporate next-generation technology into cars available on the road today.