Video: Volvo Reveals Auto Pilot Interface

VIDEO: Volvo’s Interface for Self-Driving Mode

Volvo Cars has unveiled its IntelliSafe Auto Pilot interface, which oversees how a driver transfers control to a Volvo vehicle’s autonomous driving mode.

The IntelliSafe Auto Pilot will be available for the first time on the 100 Volvo XC90 vehicles that the automaker is making available for the “Drive Me” research project in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2017.

Using this interface, a driver can activate or deactivate the autonomous mode with specially designed paddles on the steering wheel. After the driver enters a route where autonomous driving is available, the car gives the driver a message that the Auto Pilot is ready. At the same time, lights on the steering-wheel paddles start flashing.

The driver pulls both paddles simultaneously to activate the autonomous mode. The lights on the paddles then change to constant green and Auto Pilot confirms that the driving and the supervision have been delegated to the car.

When autonomous driving is no longer available, the driver is prompted to take over again. A 60-second countdown is displayed. If the driver, for any reason, doesn’t use the paddles to regain control within this timeframe, the car will bring itself to a safe stop, Volvo explained.

“We have designed a user interface that is safe and seamless to use so that drivers can confidently transfer and regain control of the car,” said Thomas Ingenlath, senior vice president of design at Volvo Cars.

To watch a video about the IntelliSafe Auto Pilot, click on the photo or link below the headline.