fbpx

Our Blog

Read the Latest News

While the majority of manufacturers believe that autonomous technology should be used on public roads, Land Rover is interested in giving its already capable lineup of SUVs self-driving abilities over any type of terrain. The company has started research to explore the possibilities.

Jaguar Land Rover's Head of Research, Tony Harper, explained the research project's aim: "Our all-terrain autonomy research isn't just about the car driving itself on a motorway or in extreme off-road situations. It's about helping both the driven and autonomous car make their way safely through any terrain or driving situation."

To give drivers this type of help, Land Rover is using a variety of technologies, including ultrasonic, radar, and LIDAR units as well as surface identification and 3D path sensing technology. The latter takes information from cameras and the other systems to give the vehicle a 360-degree view of its surroundings. The automaker claims that the sensors are so advanced that the vehicle can determine read the surface down to the width of a tire, even in inclement weather. The sensors have the ability to scan up to 16 feet ahead of the vehicle and can change the car's Terrain Response settings automatically for a smoother ride. Much of the demonstrated technology is intended to work with the driver in off-roading situations, not necessarily take over the wheel.

 

 

A feature called Overhead Clearance Assist utilizes stereo cameras to scan for obstructions above and warns the driver of impending scratches. Terrain-Based Speed Adaption looks for standing water, rough surfaces, or potholes and automatically slows the vehicle. But it doesn't stop there. The technology also includes vehicle-to-vehicle communication so a fleet of cars going off-roading can communicate with one another. This will surely be useful if the car ahead encounters a difficult obstacle or is out of sight.

Jaguar Land Rover hasn't said when this technology will become available. Given the current difficulty of developing autonomous cars that benefit from road markings as a guide, we expect training cars to adapt to different terrain will be a daunting task.

Comments on Land Rover plans autonomous off-roaders

Be the first to comment
Please login to comment
  • AD4x4 2024 Season Opening Party

    Terms and Conditions for the AD4X4 Club 2024 Season Opening Party Welcome to the AD4X4 Club 2024 Season Opening Party registration. By purchasing tickets and attending the event, you agree to the following terms and conditions: Ticket Purchase and Payment All ticket purchases must be made online through the provided Read More
  • AD4x4 organised the 2017 version of its annual Treasure Hunt

    AD4x4 organised the 2017 version of its annual Treasure Hunt Treasure Hunt is a desert navigation challenge thats tests driving, navigation and teamwork skills under safe and controlled conditions. Treasure Hunt follows a simple formula: teams of three cars aim to find as many flag locations in a specific timeframe, there is one GPS format used and attached to each flag Read More
  • AD4x4 organised the 6th edition of its GPS hunt Event in Sweihan

    AD4x4 organised the 6th edition of its GPS hunt Event in Sweihan The GPS Hunt was started 5 years ago, as a training and driver development program for our members. The concept was to develop members driving skills, navigation skills and encourage team work, under the watchful eyes of our marshals in a controlled and safe environment. Now in its 6.0 version, Read More
  • AD4x4 2016-2017 season opening party at Al Khatim desert camp

    AD4x4 2016-2017 season opening party at Al Khatim desert camp Every year, the Club hosts the season opening party to mark the start of the new off-road season to lift the club spirit and encourage the new members to meet with the club senior members. This year's event began with a number of trips hosted by the club marshals in the Read More
  • Spied: Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk Totally Undisguised

    Spied: Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk Totally Undisguised Caught testing totally undisguised earlier this week, we’ve got photos of the first-ever Jeep Grand Cherokee “Trackhawk,” a model powered by the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat V-8. Setting the Trackhawk apart from its more plebian Grand Cherokee SRT sibling is the aforementioned supercharged V-8, as well as a host of obvious Read More
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3