Volkswagen is stepping up its driver assistance systems in China with a state-of-the-art, AI-powered suite. This innovation, developed through a collaboration between Horizon Robotics and VW’s Cariad software division, is set to transform the experience in Volkswagen's future electric vehicles (EVs).
Introducing the ‘Gaia’ Platform
For the last 18 months, Carizon, a joint venture between VW and Horizon Robotics, has been perfecting the ‘Gaia’ platform. This system processes data at an incredible speed—20 times faster than traditional methods.
Highlights of the Gaia Platform:
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AI-Powered Efficiency: Significantly speeds up data processing for training autonomous driving systems.
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Extensive Road Testing: Has logged over 62,000 miles, allowing vehicles to navigate complex traffic situations more naturally.
Advanced Technology at ‘China Speed’
Volkswagen plans to introduce this advanced driver assistance technology in VW and Audi EVs tailored for the Chinese market starting next year. Ralf Brandstätter, a Volkswagen Group board member, highlighted the importance of developing technology locally to meet Chinese standards for performance, safety, and quality.
Goals for Autonomous Driving Levels:
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Current Level: 25% of new cars in China are equipped with Level 2 technology, providing steering, braking support, and lane centering.
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Future Ambitions: Carizon aims to roll out Level 2++ technologies, including Urban Navigate on Autopilot (NoA) by 2026. This sets the stage for rapid advancement to Level 3.
Marcus Hafkemeyer of Carizon expressed the company's commitment, supported by a team of 500 experts, to pushing the boundaries in autonomous driving capabilities through AI integration.
Conclusion
Volkswagen is dedicated to revolutionizing driving experiences in China by implementing AI-driven advancements in its EVs. With their focus on rapid development and localized solutions, VW is paving the way for a new era in driver assistance technology.
