The concept of remote-controlled cars is often associated with small-scale models like Tamiya or Kyosho. However, behind the scenes at automotive companies like Continental, engineers are exploring the possibilities of full-size remote-controlled cars. While autonomous vehicle technology encompasses the idea of driverless cars, it also includes other applications such as park assist systems and automated valet parking (AVP).
AVP allows drivers to leave their cars at a designated parking area, where the vehicles can then autonomously find a parking spot and return later when summoned. While this technology is often associated with fully autonomous vehicles, it can also be implemented in cars that are not fully self-driving. This concept is part of a larger vision of creating connected mobility systems, where autonomous cars transport passengers to a car park on the outskirts of a city, and then they transfer to a pod for transportation into town.
Continental is at the forefront of developing AVP technology and is introducing a new term called ‘infrastructure orchestrated manoeuvring’ (IOM). Traditionally, AVP involves equipping cars with more intelligence and technology, known as ‘AVP Type 1’. However, Continental’s ‘Safe Infrastructure Solutions’ takes a more sophisticated approach by installing intelligence in the infrastructure itself. This allows for the expansion of AVP to other environments, such as car plants, where cars need to be moved efficiently.
In a car plant, for example, finished cars often need to be transported to different locations for testing or calibration. With IOM, cars can be handed over to an intelligent infrastructure using an app, and the infrastructure takes care of the manoeuvring. This involves using technology similar to that found in cars, including cameras, sensors, intelligent algorithms, object recognition, route planning, and autonomous emergency braking functions. The cars need to be equipped with certain features like automatic transmission, electric parking brake, electric power steering, and an intelligent communication unit to navigate their surroundings.
The concept of IOM also applies to AVP Type 2, or what Continental calls ‘the intelligent garage’. This means that automated garages could be operated without human parking attendants, using full digital control. While this system has not been implemented yet, Continental expects it to be used first in vehicle production plants in the near future.
Overall, the development of full-size remote-controlled cars and AVP technology represents a significant advancement in the automotive industry. These innovations not only provide convenience to drivers but also improve efficiency in car plants and other environments. With companies like Continental leading the way, we can expect to see more autonomous and remotely controlled vehicles in the future, transforming the way we interact with cars.