MIT tech evaluation: Audi’s movin’ and shakin’

By Davis Adams February 26, 2013

When it comes to understanding the cutting edge of technology, it’s fair to say that the folks over at MIT have the market cornered. Each year, the editors at the “MIT Technology Review” take a look at the most innovative companies in the world. For 2013, Audi made the list as one of the “50 Most Disruptive” companies, credited for its piloted driving project shown at CES.

The piloted driving project was used to develop a system to enhance the Audi’s existing adaptive cruise control. If it’s successfully implemented for consumer cars, Audi owners could conceivably let their cars do the driving for them on highways and in city centers. The system uses two radar sensors that scan the area up to 250 meters in front of the car, while a wide-angle camera watches for cars, pedestrians and the lane markings on the road. Piloted driving project also makes use of several ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles immediately surrounding the car, and a laser that scans for obstacles in the distance.

All together, these sensors, radar, and lasers should create a safer, more efficient, more autonomous driving experience for future Audi owners. While much of this technology is still in its infancy, the fact that Audi is looking to create “smarter” cars for the future is exactly why it landed on MIT’s list of most innovative companies.

This is Audi’s third award for the piloted driving project, but it’s not one that the company takes for granted. “We are greatly honored to be included in the group of the world’s most innovative companies. It shows that Audi is well equipped for the future,” says Audi Board of Management Chairman Rupert Stadler.

We’re just excited to get our hands on one of these autonomous cars for review.

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