AI:ME Concept Improves Safety with a Plethora of Lights
The Audi AI:ME is a self-driving car that will illuminate the night.
Car of the Future
The future is here...sort of. Self-driving cars exist and are being engineered with safety as a top priority. For many of us, the Audi AI:ME may be the future of the rush hour commute. The vehicle is autonomous and has a steering wheel that actually retracts to give the ‘driver’ an area to place a laptop, a book, or just relax. The vehicle has a spacious interior, giving the driver/passenger room to stretch out and enjoy the ride.
Light up the Night
Safety has been a prime concern for autonomous car designers. Audi has addressed this in part by adding a multitude of lights on the car’s exterior as a signaling device. The goal of adding so many lights to the vehicle is to help the car communicate with people. Drivers rely on split-second decisions and are taught to make eye contact with others when they’re unsure of their intentions, such as yielding to the right of way. Covering the car with marker lights makes the vehicle more noticeable to other drivers as well as smartphone distracted pedestrians. An abundance of lights will make it easier for others to notice turn signals and brake indicators.
Courtesy Photos of Tech Crunch
>>Join the conversation about the AI:ME Concept right here in Audiworld.com.
Bigger, Brighter and More Noticeable
However, it’s not just the amount of lights that make the car design interesting, it’s the size and location. The lights are positioned in a manner that makes them more noticeable while looking at a downward angle. The intention of this design is to maximize visibility for people walking or riding a bicycle/motorcycle next to the car. The size, position and amount of lights are also meant to be noticeable to distracted drivers.
Courtesy Photos of Tech Crunch
>>Join the conversation about the AI:ME Concept right here in Audiworld.com.
Holoride
Drivers don’t have to worry about being left out of this automotive experience. The Audi AI:ME has an in-vehicle virtual reality system. The VR matches the car’s movements and lets the driver see what the vehicle "sees." Holoride just launched last year but may offer passengers new forms of immersive entertainment as the technology continues to evolve.
Courtesy Photos of Tech Crunch
>>Join the conversation about the AI:ME Concept right here in Audiworld.com.
Research and Development
Right now, there are no plans to put the Audi AI:ME into production since the car has been designed to showcase existing technology. With such an impressive demonstration, it’s safe to assume that true self-driving cars will soon be sharing the roadways with us in the very near future.
Courtesy Photos of Tech Crunch
>>Join the conversation about the AI:ME Concept right here in Audiworld.com.
For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance or repair project, please visit our how-to section in the forum.