Renault has recently unveiled their new Next Two prototype. Based on the Zoe, the car is described as “Renaults vision of an autonomous electric vehicle for the year 2020.”
Designed to drive itself at speeds up to 30 kmph (18 mph), the prototype has comes equipped with a variety of sensors and cameras that monitor the road. This information is then feed into a “supervisor” that controls how the electric power steering, motor and brakes should work. The model also features an Automated Valet Parking system which will enable the car to park itself in parking garages that cater to autonomous vehicles.
Besides the autonomous driving technology, there is 3G/ 4G/WiFi connectivity, a head-up display and an augmented reality system that can superimpose navigation information on a real-time image of the road. If thats not enough, the car also comes with a “virtual office,” a video-conferencing system and a “smart seat” that can apparently adjust itself to the driver automatically.
Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said that with Next Two, they wanted to combine the worlds of delegated driving and connectivity. He went on to say that the autonomous driving will not only enhance safety but it will also free up time for drivers.
