Automakers are consistently driving vehicle technology towards a safer (and autonomous) future. This week, Toyota’s Research Institute (TRI) unveiled its next-generation vehicle at the Prius Challenge event in Sonoma, California.
This Lexus LS 600hL marks the first fully autonomous platform created by TRI. The self-driving functional is achieved by a drive-by-wire interface, radar, and LiDAR.
The drive-by-wire interface replaces the traditional mechanical linkage between automotive components with electrical or electro-mechanical systems. This allows for possible computer-controlled intervention of the system, such as lane assistance and electronic stability control (ESC).
LiDAR is considered an acronym for Light Imaging, Detection, and Ranging. Autonomous vehicles utilize LiDAR mainly for obstacle avoidance and detection using a rotation of laser beams. The vehicle can use the LiDAR sensor data to determine where probable obstacles exist within its environment, as well as the car’s relative relation to those perceived objects.
In order for the vehicle to distance itself from high-definition map dependence, the team installed a multitude of onboard camera sensors. Complementing all the technological features is the system’s easy replacement process, which presents a smooth, swappable approach when upgrades for specific parts become available.
Toyota hopes these test will help develop two of its future self-driving platforms – the Cauffeur and Guardian. Both systems are very advanced driving assistance systems operating at SAE’s level 5 (full automation).
Until then, watch the video below to see TRI’s first autonomous test run in action!