Jeep is testing self-driving off-road vehicle tech (video)
AI coming to a Jeep near you
Jeep has claimed that getting a car to drive itself off road is more difficult than programming one to navigate busy streets in a new video teaser demonstrating such technology.
The two autonomous Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe test cars – which utilise artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle various kinds of terrain without the need for a driver – were put through their paces in Moab, Utah, in the United States.
The prototypes in the video showcase the off-roading capabilities of the autonomous system, which Jeep states is designed to “enhance the experiences of seasoned off-roaders, and customers who are new to driving off-road”.
New developments
The autonomous system is expected to be rolled out for Jeep’s ‘4xe’ range of electric and hybrid powered off-roaders as part of the American brand’s shifting focus towards battery-powered electric vehicles, and its aim to be the “global zero-emission SUV leader”.
In the video, Stellantis’s head of AI and autonomous driving, Neda Cvijetic, claimed that the tests in Moab involved “Tackling … challenges that are in some sense greater than what you experience in on-road autonomy”.
Jeep CEO Christian Meunier said: “In the same way that our 4xe electrification takes Jeep brand’s off-road capability to new heights, these advanced off-road driving systems will help more customers in more countries around the world join and enjoy the adventure.
“These features and technology will have real-life applications on and off-road in a wide range of driving conditions.”
Last year, Jeep introduced three new electric models — the Avenger, Recon and Wagoneer — designed to appeal to the European market.
The Avenger, a small crossover designed in Italy and built in Poland, was received well by the motoring press — even being awarded the European Car of the Year in January.
Current autonomous tech
In line with legislation, Jeep does not currently offer a full autonomous driving experience in its models, though a ‘Level Three’ autonomous driving system will be offered across multiple Stellantis brands — including Jeep — by 2024.
Level Three autonomy allows for hands-free driving in specific environments and conditions, also allowing the driver to take their eyes off the road. However, the driver must be able to retake control of the car if required.
Selected Jeep models in the US can be equipped with Active Driving Assist, which utilises sensors, cameras and radar to help the car maintain a pre-determined speed, while also keeping a safe distance from cars ahead, behind and beside it — in effect a sophisticated adaptive cruise control system.
This feature can also make steering adjustments should the driver begin to stray from their lane. Any human inputs can override the system, however, and it will shut itself down if it determines that the driver’s attention is not firmly on the road ahead.
The new autonomous technology is still in development and Jeep plans to release a full video this summer highlighting the advancements it has made.
Related articles
- After reading about Jeep’s plans for autonomous off-road driving, you may want to read our review of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
- You may also like to read about The Times trying out a driverless taxi in San Francisco
- Or read why Jeremy Clarkson reckoned that the Jeep Renegade 4xe was “hopeless”
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