IntelliSafe Auto Pilot

Volvo Cars has unveiled an advanced and easy-to-use interface that will enable drivers to seamlessly transfer control to a car’s autonomous driving (AD) mode in its upcoming cars.

Called IntelliSafe Auto Pilot, the simple and intuitive interface has been designed to provide a safe and seamless transition between conventional and AD modes.

The autonomous mode is said to be activated and deactivated with specially designed paddles on the steering wheel.

Volvo Cars Design SVP Thomas Ingenlath said: "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."

"If the driver fails to use the paddles to regain control within this timeframe, the car will bring itself to a safe stop."

When a vehicle is on a route that allows autonomous operation, a message is sent to driver saying that Auto Pilot is ready, and lights on the steering wheel paddles start to flash.

The driver needs to pull both paddles simultaneously to activate the autonomous mode, when lights on the paddles will change to a constant green and Auto Pilot confirms that driving and supervision tasks have been assigned to the car.

A 60 second countdown is displayed to alert the driver to take control of the car, when the autonomous option is no longer available.

If the driver fails to use the paddles to regain control within this timeframe, the car will bring itself to a safe stop.

IntelliSafe Auto Pilot will be available for the first time on the 100 XC90 car Volvo is presenting at the Drive Me project in Gothenburgin in 2017.

Claimed to be the world’s most ambitious AD project, Drive Me will supply 100 self-driving Volvos available to families and commuters around Gothenburg for use in everyday driving conditions.

After its use in Drive Me, the IntelliSafe Auto Pilot will be introduced to the general public.

Image: IntelliSafe Auto Pilot notifications on a Volvo car dashboard panel. Photo: courtesy of Volvo Car Group.