Volkswagen launches tests of the Gen.Urban autonomous driving system in Wolfsburg
Volkswagen Group has started testing the Gen.Urban autonomous research vehicle in the streets of Wolfsburg, moving the project from closed test sites to real urban traffic.
What is known
The test route is almost a 10-kilometer loop through city streets, including intersections, roundabouts, residential and industrial areas, as well as sections with roadworks and typical city situations. One test drive lasts about 20 minutes and is monitored by specialists who ensure safety.
Gen.Urban is an experimental self-driving car without traditional steering wheels and pedals. In the "driver's" seat sits a test participant, and a specially trained driver is responsible for safety, who sits in the adjacent seat and can take control if necessary using a console with a joystick.
The goal of the project is to study how passengers perceive a ride in a self-driving car without traditional steering wheels and pedals, and what requirements this imposes on future vehicle concepts. The data collected is planned to be used in the development of interiors and UX solutions for Volkswagen Group brands.
Source: Volkswagen AG
