The latest update to Audi’s A7 autonomous prototype car, named Jack, adds human-like functionality to make the car seem less robotic.
Audi implemented the new functions to give trucks and other large vehicles more room when passing them on the road, alongside moving closer to the edge of the lane before turning signals on to show it wants to switch lanes, a familiar trait of human drivers.
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The goal, according to Audi, is to make the autonomous car drive “more naturally” on the road. While it might not be optimal in a world where all cars are autonomous, it should help drivers get more accustomed to the autonomous car and prevent accidents with human drivers.
Audi is setting up a list of personalities for the autonomous car as well, according to SlashGear, which include aggressive and passive options. This should make driving parents or other cautious individuals less of a farce, by changing the settings to slow down the drive and act more cautiously.
The German automaker is using HERE Maps to indicate different driver tendencies. It is also using the mapping service — which is purchased as part of automotive consortium from Nokia for $3 billion — to alert the autonomous car of traffic jams and growing congestion early.
Audi self-driving car hitting the autobahn
Ford recently patented another way to spot traffic jams in autonomous cars, using drones.
The autonomous car is currently being tested on the A9 Autobahn, though it might see more urban tests in the near future if Chancellor Angela Merkel removes some of the self-driving restrictions.
Audi is far ahead of the pack when it comes to autonomous cars, having test them for years. It plans to implement some autonomous features in the 2018 Audi A8, which should go on sale next year.
It hasn’t went as far as BMW and announced when it plans to launch a fully autonomous vehicle, but we can expect it to be sometime in the next five years.
