Volvo CEO warns against "irresponsible" deployment of autonomous driving

The director of Volvo Cars warned that the premature launch of autonomous driving technology could delay "the best way to save lives in the history of the car".

Håkan Samuelsson said it was "irresponsible" to put autonomous vehicles on the road if they were not safe enough, as this would undermine the confidence of the public and regulators.

"We have a responsibility and all those who work in this sector have it, because otherwise, you will kill a technology that could be the best source of life in the history of the car," he said.

His comments came as Volvo launched a new security campaign, using technology to try to eliminate drunk driving, smartphone distraction and the speed of travel of its owners, in the ## 147 ## # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # 39 hope to bring about a change in the sector, in the same way as its introduction of the seat belts did 60 years ago.

Some manufacturers have launched partially autonomous systems to control steering and braking on the highway. But exaggerating the capabilities of these cars will result in "over-dependence" on consumers and accidents, Samuelsson said.

"You have to be very careful when you introduce this, and that's why I think it has to be safer than what was perceived," he said, adding that the responsibility for vehicles "lies with those who sell the system ".

He added: "Do it without being absolutely convinced that the car can support this [situation] safely, so I think it's irresponsible. "

Although Mr. Samuelsson did not name any other manufacturers, his comments are directed to Tesla, who described his on-road driving system as "autopilot" and claimed that his vehicles newer ones are "fully autonomous".

Several Tesla vehicles have been involved in fatal accidents, when drivers took off the steering wheel and stopped paying attention to the road while using its automatic steering and braking function.

Many automakers also gave up testing autonomous systems last year after a fatal accident involving a Volvo driven by Uber, although later tests showed that the surveillance group had canceled many of Volvo's comprehensive safety measures. . .

Automakers and technology groups are developing automated driving systems to try to eliminate fatal accidents that kill more than a million people a year.

Last week, Volvo announced a range of technologies that it believes would further reduce road deaths, by attacking drivers who drive too fast, or who drive while intoxicated. or who use a smartphone.

A new eye tracking camera will be installed in the new Volvo in the early 2020s to monitor eye movements and detect whether a driver is attentive to the road.

He also plans to create areas where his cars will automatically slow down, for example around schools, with the help of GPS technology.

The technology, which involves knowing the location and conditions of the car, will also limit the speed of vehicles in ice or fog, making it "more efficient" than speed signs, Samuelsson said. .

"You will know that the road is eight meters wide and is rather winding. Now it's very cold and it's dark and snowing. You could have very good algorithms calculating that you should not be able to drive faster than 75 km / h on this road. "