CES 2022: Volvo announces Ride Pilot - for next e-SUV

The Swedish subsidiary of the Chinese Geely Group, Volvo Cars, presented a bundle of innovations at CES 2022 in Las Vegas. Foremost among these is the announcement of the so-called Ride Pilot for the state of California, which will enable largely automated driving on highways, though only in the next generation of their fully electric SUV flagship.

The Swedes aim to set a new safety standard in the next vehicle generation, based on modern sensor technology and software, including wireless over-the-air updates. The software is being developed by the autonomous driving (AD) specialist company Zenseact in collaboration with the internal Volvo team and the developers of technology partner Luminar. The sensor technology consists of more than two dozen sensors that work together with the newly developed software, including a state-of-the-art Iris LiDAR sensor from Luminar.

"We are proud to announce the planned market launch of our first truly unmonitored, autonomously driving model in the USA. We aim to set a new industry standard without compromising on safety," promotes Mats Moberg, Head of Research and Development at Volvo Cars.

The use of new AD software from Zenseact and the LiDAR standard from Luminar in new fully electric SUVs is considered a decisive step for Volvo Cars, but also for vehicle safety and autonomous driving in general, says Moberg.

Technology from the start, package bookable later

While the software-sensor combination and the associated high level of safety will come as standard in the upcoming fully electric SUV from day one and will be continuously improved over time, the Ride Pilot will undergo a rigorous testing and verification protocol. The technology is to be tested on highways under various conditions. Only when its use is deemed safe at all times will the system be offered as an additional subscription for the SUV flagship to be presented later in the year.

As part of the verification process, the partners are already testing autonomous driving on Swedish roads. In addition, data is being collected throughout Europe and the USA. Subject to approval, testing will also begin on Californian roads by mid-year, where the climate, traffic conditions, and legal framework provide a favorable environment for the introduction of autonomous driving.

Car drives itself, Volvo takes responsibility

As per the "Ride Pilot" designation, the car drives independently, with the manufacturer assuming responsibility for the driving. The driver can undertake activities such as reading, writing, working, or socializing while on the move. The function also reduces the burdens associated with driving, especially in traffic jams or heavy traffic, contributing to relaxation and comfort for the driver, believe the Swedes.

The LiDAR sensor from Luminar is complemented in the upcoming fully electric Volvo SUV by five radars, eight cameras, and sixteen ultrasonic sensors. This comprehensive standard repertoire guarantees excellent situational awareness and reliable detection of hazards and obstacles. Together with continuous software improvements, the system offers full redundancy and enables safe autonomous driving.