Volvo to test self-drive XC90s in 2017

Volvo has explained how it will incorporate its autonomous driving technology into its cars of the future, and a small fleet of self-driving XC90s will shortly take to the roads of Sweden for a two-year study.

Creating an all-new interface specific to cars fitted with its driverless technology the new system, called IntelliSafe Auto Pilot uses a pair of wheel-mounted paddles that light up in areas designated for autonomous driving.

Once illuminated the driver can choose whether or not to hand over the driving to the car. To do this the driver has to place his or her hands on the paddles for a set time before the autopilot kicks in.

To hand back to the driver the car begins a 60-second countdown with audible and visual alerts. If the driver doesn’t respond the car is automatically brought to a halt.

While on the move the autopilot uses a combination of lasers, cameras and radars to ‘read’ the road and maintain a steady cruise and spot any potential hazards.

Before going on sale the new IntelliSafe Auto Pilot will undergo wide-scale trials that are scheduled to begin in Gothenburg, Sweden in 2017. In the first real-life evaluation more than 100 XC90 SUVs will be driven on 50 kilometres of specially chosen roads.

The testing is expected to continue until 2019 before Volvo offers the tech to customers in 2020.