Automated driving skills for cars will continue to increase in the near future. Two Toyota models are now allowed to carry out overtaking maneuvers independently in Japan.
In Japan, Toyota has introduced a new driver assistance package called Advanced Drive for the Lexus LS 500h and Mirai models, which are also available in Germany, which enables automated driving functions at a higher level. Especially when driving on the autobahn, the technology can take on more tasks than was previously the case, which should further relieve the driver and ensure more safety overall.
Once the driver has entered a destination in the navigation system, the Advanced Drive System then regulates the distance to other vehicles, changes lanes in traffic areas such as the motorway and overtakes other vehicles. The assistance technology uses millimeter wave radar, a stereo camera, a telescope camera, LiDAR (abbreviation for Light Detection And Ranging) and high-precision maps.
Advanced Drive takes on more tasks than the assistance systems currently available at Toyota, but the driver is still not released from responsibility. If the system wants to overtake a truck and then leave the motorway, this must be confirmed by the driver. If a camera system detects that he is tired or distracted, a multi-stage warning follows with an alarm tone, vibrating seat belt and flashing head-up display. Routine tasks, such as lane change clearance, should also make it clear to the driver that he is still responsible for the control of the vehicle. The Advanced Drive System thus fulfills the requirements of autonomy level 2.
