A redesigned Volvo XC90 based mostly on an up to date model of the present mannequin’s SPA modular platform is due in 2022, and it’ll ultimately function expertise able to controlling the car on highways with out the necessity for driver monitoring.

The function will probably be referred to as Freeway Pilot, and we should always warn that it will not work on all highways. Volvo stated the function will solely be activated when it’s verified to be protected for designated highways and circumstances. This ranks it at Stage 4 on the SAE scale of self-driving capability. A real self-driving automotive able to equaling a human ranks at Stage 5 on the dimensions.

Making Freeway Pilot potential will probably be an array of sensors, including lidar systems from Luminar, which will probably be fitted to all Volvos based mostly on the up to date SPA platform (SPA2). Software program developed by Volvo’s in-house self-driving division, Zenseact, will use information collected by the sensors to manage the car, with every little thing powered by Nvidia’s Drive Orin laptop. The pc is able to 254 trillion operations per second.

In a 2018 interview with The Car Connection, Volvo R&D chief Henrik Inexperienced stated Volvo plans to supply Freeway Pilot as a “four-figure” premium add-on.

Though the {hardware} required for Freeway Pilot will probably be prepared when the redesigned XC90 launches subsequent yr, Volvo hasn’t stated when the function will really be made accessible. And even when the function is accessible, it may not operate in all nations, relying on what circumstances it requires, in addition to the present regulatory setting.

A Stage 4 self-driving system in non-public automobiles could be a significant step ahead within the automotive business. Whereas Waymo has a Level 4 self-driving taxi service accessible in elements of Phoenix, Arizona, on the subject of non-public automobiles we have solely reached Stage 2 functionality as fixed driver monitoring is at all times required. Issues are beginning to change, although. Honda in March introduced a Level 3 self-driving feature for highways, albeit solely in Japan. It, too, works on designated highways, and solely permits the motive force to take their eyes off the street for brief intervals.