Hyundai pitches autonomous future
The fully capable but not-quite-production-ready Ioniq proves carmaker’s dedication to field
What is it?
A fully capable but not quite production-ready autonomous car. Based on the Hyundai Ioniq plug-in hybrid, this car proves Hyundai’s dedication to the autonomous car field. It’s fully capable of driving itself along a pre-determined route so long as the route has been carefully mapped.
How does it work?
The Ioniq already comes with an impressive suite of driver assists, such as lane keep assist and blind spot monitoring. The autonomous version builds on those already stable systems for self-driving capability. Mounted on the front of the car are three LiDAR sensors — one by the front licence plate and one in front of each wheel. These are laser systems designed to help the car judge distances. Mounted high up on the windshield near the rear view mirror are no less than four cameras. Two work in series with each other to provide stereo video to the cars computers. This helps the car “see” distances between it, obstacles and other cars. The third camera is a colour sensing unit that distinguishes between red, green, and yellow traffic lights. The fourth camera is simply the one that helps with Hyundai’s park assist. The autonomous Ioniq also uses detailed maps that include the lane width, and width of the road.
When is it coming?
Hyundai says the technology in this car will be consumer-ready by 2020, but mapping data and autonomous car laws will have to be drastically improved by then for real introduction. The other issue is mapping; more than basic directions, the Ioniq needs detailed maps including the width of the lane, width of the road and the precisely measured presence of bike lanes and crosswalks. North America is a rather large place so mapping all of it that precisely will take some time.
Should you buy it?
When autonomous cars come on the market, you absolutely should. Being driven around by your own car is odd at first, but it eventually becomes very relaxing.