Swedish automaker Volvo has begun testing a fleet of autonomous cars on the streets of the city of Gothenburg as part of its 'Drive Me' campaign. A 100 self-driving cars have been driving members of the public on 50 km of commuter routes in the city. The project is being undertaken with the cooperation of federal and local government agencies.
These test cars are able to stay in line, adapt to the required speed and merge into traffic all by themselves. The final versions of the 'Drive Me' cars will be able to drive entire test routes in highly autonomous mode. The cars will have Volvo's aptly-named Autopilot technology, which allows drivers to hand over all driving functions to the vehicle.
"This public pilot will provide us with a valuable insight into the societal benefits of making autonomous vehicles a natural part of the traffic environment," says Volvo technical specialist Erik Coeling
Self-Driving Swedish Cars
Volvo is Testing a Fleet of Autonomous Cars for its 'Drive Me' Campaign
Trend Themes
1. Autonomous Vehicle Testing - Volvo's testing of autonomous cars in Gothenburg reveals a growing trend of companies exploring the potential of self-driving technology.
2. Collaboration with Government Agencies - Volvo's cooperation with federal and local government agencies highlights a trend of automakers working closely with regulatory bodies to advance autonomous vehicle development.
3. Advanced Autonomous Features - Volvo's Autopilot technology showcases the trend of automakers integrating sophisticated autonomous capabilities into their vehicles.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - The automotive industry is at the forefront of embracing autonomous vehicle technology, with companies like Volvo leading the way.
2. Government - Government agencies play a crucial role in regulatory and safety aspects of autonomous vehicles, making them an integral part of the industry.
3. Technology - Advancements in autonomous vehicle technology, such as Volvo's Autopilot system, have significant implications for the tech industry, particularly in terms of developing AI and sensor technologies.