One of the coolest things about the new research vehicle is that the remote control function can be controlled by an app on a smart phone. From the app, the “driver” of the Range Rover will be able to control of steering, accelerator and brakes as well as changing from high and low range. The app is not, however, long range and is limited to a range of 10 meters of the car and if the smart key can be detected. It will require the user to walk alongside the Range Rover at a leisurely 4 mph. The app can also be used to back the Range Rover out of tight parking spaces as well as becoming their own spotter during rough off-road driving. Land Rover is working on autonomous improvements to the remote control system so that the “driver” can use simple controls and will let the car do the driving itself.
Land Rover also unveiled another couple autonomous vehicle concepts, which include one called the ‘Multi-Point Turn’ Range Rover Sport which has the ability to autonomously turn within an 180 degree space so that it will face the other direction. This system has the typical array of sensors, LIDAR, cameras, ultrasonics and structured light technology that you would expect from an autonomous vehicle so it can avoid pedestrians, vehicles and other objects. Land Rover says they are still working on a system that can scan the area to determine whether or not it is safe to complete the turning maneuver.
Land Rover’s goal is to develop this system further so that the remote control and autonomous system work together so that the customers can use one or the other. Since this system is still in development, Land Rover has not stated when these systems will be available to customers.
Leave a Reply