Jaguar Land Rover recently announced that they are in the middle of developing a self-learning car that will truly personalize your driving experience. The luxury auto will be able to recognize individual drivers by their smartphone or other device as they approach, so that by the time the driver opens the door, the mirrors, seat settings, and steering wheel will have already been changed. The new learning algorithm will also know the driver's style and can tap into your calendar, the traffic conditions, time of day, and weather to help prevent accidents and reduce driver distraction.
"Presenting the driver with information just at the right time whilst driving will reduce both cognitive distraction and the need for the driver to look away from the road to scroll through phone lists, or adjust mirrors, temperature or seat functions while on the road," explains Dr Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology for Jaguar Land Rover. "Up until now most self-learning car research has only focused on traffic or navigation prediction. We want to take this a significant step further and our new learning algorithm means information learnt about you will deliver a completely personalized driving experience and enhance driving pleasure."
Their self-learning car will be able to track your habits (and any passengers as well) and will automatically set the car cabin to your preferred temperature—it will also know when to alter it based on the outside weather. Thanks to its Smart Assistant, the auto will be able to check out your schedule for the day, send you reminders via your smartphone, change settings, and pre-set the navigation accordingly. If you like a specific temperature after a long workout at the gym, the car will learn this and have it waiting. It will also be able to predict future actions, like an upcoming long drive, and let you know whether or not you should get gas ahead of the time.
Your individual driving style is also a big perk of the upcoming self-learning car. Able to learn your style in a range of traffic conditions and road types, the car will be able to enforce certain settings automatically. For example, when you turn on cruise control, the car will know your distance settings and acceleration profile, and put them in place.
"By developing a learning function for Adaptive Cruise Control, it is technology concepts like the self-learning car that will ensure any future intelligent car remains fun and rewarding to drive as we move closer to more autonomous driving over the next 10 years," adds Dr Epple. "This is important because in the future customers will still want an emotional connection and a thrilling drive—with the ability to drive autonomously when required."
Another really cool detail is that the personalized experience won't just be limited to your personal car. If you have to rent a intelligent Jaguar or Land Rover at some point, the new auto will be able to tap into your profile and give you the same experience as your car at home. No word yet on pricing or release dates, but if the video above is anything to go by, we can't wait to get in the driver's seat!
