Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) plans to create a fleet of more than 100 research vehicles to develop and test a wide range of connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technologies over the next four years.

The first of these research cars will be driven on a new 41-mile test route on motorways and urban roads around Coventry and Solihull in England later this year.

The initial tests will involve vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications technologies, which will allow cars to talk to each other and to roadside signs, overhead gantries and traffic lights. Ultimately, data sharing between vehicles would allow future connected cars to cooperate and work together to assist the driver and make lane changing and crossing junctions easier and safer.

Using a forward-facing stereo camera to generate a 3D view of the road ahead and together with advanced image processing software, ‘Roadwork Assist’ can recognise cones and barriers. The system will sense when the vehicle is approaching the start of the roadworks, identify an ideal path through complicated construction sites and contraflows, and inform the driver that the road is narrowing ahead.

Meanwhile, the ‘Safe Pullaway’ technology uses the stereo camera to monitor the area immediately in front of the vehicle. If objects such as vehicles or walls are detected, and the system receives signals from throttle pedal activation or from gear selection that could lead to a collision, the vehicle brakes are automatically applied and the driver receives an audible warning.

The ‘Over the Horizon Warning’ technology is part of a research project testing devices that use radio signals to transmit relevant data from vehicle to vehicle. If vehicles were able to communicate independently, drivers and autonomous cars could be warned of hazards and obstacles over the horizon or around blind bends.

In addition, ‘Emergency Vehicle Warning’ allows connected ambulances, police cars or fire engines to communicate with other vehicles on the road. Drivers would receive an audible warning along with a visual alert telling them the direction the emergency vehicle is coming from and how far away it is. Therefore, they can safely pull over and allow the emergency vehicle to pass, minimising delays for the emergency services and preventing accidents.

Tony Harper, JLR’s head of Research, said: “Our connected and automated technology could help improve traffic flow, cut congestion and reduce the potential for accidents. We will also improve the driving experience, with drivers able to choose how much support and assistance they need.”

“Even when an enthusiastic driver is fully focussed on enjoying the thrill of the open road, the new technology we are creating will still be working in the background to help keep them safe. Since the intelligent car will always be alert and is never distracted, it could guide you through road works and prevent accidents. If you are a keen driver, imagine being able to receive a warning that there’s a hazard out of sight or around a blind bend. Whether it’s a badly parked car or an ambulance heading your way, you could slow down, pass the hazard without fuss and continue on your journey,” he added.

Mahmoudia Motors is one of Jordan’s leading car dealerships and the sole and official dealer of the Jaguar and Land Rover brands in the kingdom.  – TradeArabia News Service