http://robots.engadget.com/2006/01/30/honda-accord-adas-auto-pilot-system-takes-the-reins/
Honda UK has launched a car that can drive itself on motorways and dual-carriageways, the British equivalent of freeways.
When it is in self-drive mode, the new Honda Accord ADAS automatically accelerates and decelerates, and can steer around bends. However, its Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) self-drive technology only works on motorways and dual-carriageways.
While this might sound like the kind of technology we've all been waiting for, giving weary drivers the ability on long trips to get in the back seat to catch some shut-eye, Graham Avent, a spokesperson for Honda UK, said that, when the ADAS system is switched on, drivers cannot simply ignore what's happening.
"They can't climb in to the back of the car and go to sleep," he said. "It is very important to get the message across that this technology does not replace the driver."
Autopilot Mode
Avent said that, every 10 seconds, the ADAS system will bleep to check that the driver still is alert.
"All the driver has to do then is to touch the wheel," he said. The analogy is with the autopilot technology that was introduced into airplanes back in the 1970s and 1980s, he explained. The pilot can put the plane into autopilot mode, but he or she still is in charge and still is flying the plane.
Drivers can override the ADAS system at any time, Avent said.
The ADAS system features two main components: a radar-based cruise control and a lane-assist technology.
"The Adaptive Cruise Control is a millimeter-wave radar sensor behind the Honda badge on the front of the car to scan ahead for other vehicles," he said. "The cruise control then speeds up or slows down accordingly."
The driver presets the cruise control at whatever speed he or she thinks appropriate -- at 70 miles per hour, for example. "If a car pulls into the space in front of the ADAS car, the cruise control will slow the car down," Avent said.
Lane Control
The ADAS system also includes a Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS). "This is a camera mounted next to the rear-view mirror that watches the white lines and controls steering," Avent said.
Honda UK said that the Honda Accord ADAS will cost 25,880 pounds (US$46,500) and will go on sale in March. All Hondas are due to have ADAS by 2016.
"When you combine the ADAS system with intelligent traffic-monitoring technology and GPS mapping, you really have a very advanced car," Avent said.
"But no car manufacturer is then going to go out and say that such a car can drive itself, as we don't want to give the wrong message to drivers."
it will beep every 10 seconds? I think I'll just drive instead
pain in the ass is what it sounds like to me. i don't mind adaptive cruise control, but automatic steering? what for, especially if you have to keep your hands on the wheel all the time anyway
GM tried something similar to this about 4-5 yrs ago, their prototypes were Buick LeSabers. Either way interesting stuff.
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-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----
Well if it didnt @!#$ beep at m e it would be awesome...think about nights when your almost home, been driving for hours and you start to drift into the next lane, or days when you reach down to look for something and start to go off the road...
Whenever I hear Auto Pilot I think of:
surely you can't be serious.
