Revolutionizing Road Safety: Toyota’s Autonomous Drift Technology

December 4th, 2022 by

Discover the groundbreaking steps Toyota Research Institute (TRI) is taking to redefine road safety with its latest innovation in autonomous technology. Imagine a car that is not only capable of avoiding obstacles but also drifts around them by mimicking the instinctive reflexes of professional racing drivers. TRI’s mission is to improve and enhance human driving skills to increase road safety. Join us as we dive into the future of driving and explore TRI’s project of on-demand autonomy at the forefront of technological advancement.

The Concept of Controlled Drifting

In an effort to improve active safety on the roads, the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) embarked on a transformative project. The focus was on extending the controllability of a vehicle by introducing the concept of controlled drifting to navigate through obstacles or difficult road conditions. Avinash Balachandran, Head of Human Interactive Driving at TRI, emphasizes the goal of giving ordinary drivers the instinctive reflexes of professional racing drivers to master even the most difficult emergencies.

Mastering Drift for Real-World Emergencies

With thousands of accidents a year, the need for fast maneuvers that push vehicles to their traditional limits is obvious. However, the ability to control drift is complex and differs significantly from normal driving. TRI has recognized this challenge and developed a control algorithm that enables vehicles to drift autonomously around obstacles. This ability, originally associated with professional racing drivers, could prove invaluable in the real world when traction is lost due to factors such as black ice or evasive maneuvers.

Engineering On-Demand Autonomy

In collaboration with the Dynamic Design Lab at Stanford University, TRI wanted to set a new standard for active safety. The team, which included researchers such as Jonathan Goh, used non-linear model predictive control (NMPC) techniques to push the operation of a vehicle to its limits. Goh explains that the vehicle calculates a new trajectory every twentieth of a second to keep the vehicle balanced even during aggressive maneuvers. This on-demand autonomy aims to recognize difficult driving situations and help the driver react in real-time.

The Future Vision of TRI’s Technology

The aim of TRI is not to replace human drivers but to enhance their skills with advanced technologies. By integrating the skills of experts into everyday driving behavior, TRI envisions a future in which vehicles are able to handle difficult scenarios autonomously, providing an additional layer of safety. The development of algorithms for the autonomous control of vehicles in critical borderline situations is a glimpse into this promising future. TRI’s innovative approach appears to seamlessly merge technology and driving, offering a safer and more controlled driving experience.

Conclusion

As TRI continues to push the boundaries of autonomous technology, the future of driving safety looks more promising than ever. The ability to autonomously avoid obstacles is a testament not only to technological prowess but also to a commitment to making the roads safer for everyone. And if you have other problems with car safety, such as problems with keys, car locks, locks, trunk locks, and even problems with the starter and/or transponder of your car, there is another than TRI help. Find car locksmiths available 24 hours a day on this page. Toyota’s focus on augmenting human capabilities, rather than replacing them, sets a precedent for integrating advanced technologies into everyday driving.

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