Audi takes a step further in the self-driving technology. The re-designed 2018 Audi A8, to be presented at the Audi Summit held in Barcelona, will come up with a new technology called the Level 3 self-driving capability.
In self-driving mode – operated only on roads with a barrier used to separate from the oncoming traffic – the new Audi A8 fully controls it own way in the congested traffic and speeds up to to 60 km/h (37 mph). The driver does not need to put his hands on the wheel and can take his eyes off the traffic though he is constantly monitored and ready to intervene. In case he fails to react, the A8 is programmed to slowly and safely slow down and come to a stop.
Level 3 means partial automation: the vehicle is capable of taking control of the driving environment and even to make some decisions as to slowly stop down to avoid another car.
Within a decade, we may travel in level 4 autonomous cars which will be able to control the driving in all situations, even in severe weather conditions. Level 5 applies for cars which can operate safely, entirely on their own without a driver inside.
The new Audi A8 will be the first car with Level 3 autonomous to hit the market.
However the legislation regulating the operation of autonomous cars is far behind the improvements of the self-driving technology. Thus, the Audi A8 will have to wait for the legal authorization before it can offer the feature. Nevertheless, Germany might be the first country to allow Level 3 autonomous cars to drive on its roads after the enactment of a bill and the addition of a black box on the vehicle to assess the responsability in case of an accident.
