Some of the commonest statements I see from automotive fans who’re anti-autonomy are alongside the traces of “well I just want to drive myself,” which is completely legitimate. I like driving too! But there are such a lot of conditions the place driving myself sucks. From stop-and-go visitors to monotonous commutes or lengthy drives I’ve accomplished all of it, and generally I’m simply plain drained and don’t wish to. One of the worst conditions is when the route I’m taking is splendidly scenic, however as a result of I’ve to maintain my eyes on the highway, I miss out on wanting on the lovely surroundings. Chrysler’s new Halcyon idea has an answer within the type of its Stargazing and Tour Guide modes, which is precisely the sort of tech I believe may change peoples’ minds on autonomous driving.
The Halcyon’s Level 4 automated system is actually named Drive Mode, and it permits drivers to completely disengage from the act of driving to look at a film, play video games and even sleep. Its pedals and steering wheel can retract, and the windshield and home windows may even flip opaque. When you’re able to drive your self once more, the wheel and pedals are deployed through voice recognition.
Loads of new automobiles are beginning to implement augmented-reality tech, sometimes within the head-up shows to mission navigation arrows and different related information, however the Halcyon takes the AR integration to a different stage. In Stargazing mode, the Halcyon’s entrance seats slide and lean again to provide the occupants a view of the evening sky via the expansive windshield and glass cover. The AR system can spotlight constellations within the sky, supplying you with details about them in actual time because the automotive drives you down the highway.
Then there’s the Tour Guide mode, the place the automotive will use the AR to let you know about scenic vistas and different factors of curiosity close by. A Memory Landmark function saves data and geotagged images from areas that you just’ve gone to earlier than, so you’ll be able to simply revisit or view them or share the pins with mates. Video calls will also be performed utilizing the AR show.
I believe that is fairly genius. I’d love to have the ability to go on a highway journey with mates and be capable of really concentrate on the journey and surroundings itself as an alternative of the act of driving, and having augmented-reality tech that highlights the character round us would make that even higher. Level 4 autonomy continues to be years away, however related options might be carried out in automobiles with Level 3 autonomy, which permits the driving force to take their eyes off the highway and fingers off the wheel.
Source: jalopnik.com