Volkswagen Creates Real Life Herbie

Volkswagen engineers have manufactured an auto-pilot system which can take control of a car when it is cruising along the road.

Known as the Temporary Auto Pilot device, Volkswagen are presently trialling the system which allows motorists to take their hands off the steering wheel and feet off the clutch and accelerator pedals.

A research test car has been created to develop intelligent technology for drivers, with the technology starting to become incorporated into Volkswagen models.

The TAP can work at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour and uses laser sensors to ensure the car stays in the centre of the lane it is travelling in.

These sensors are also able to check the road for any obstructions ahead and force the car to slow down or stop in order to deal with any potential traffic jams or hazards.

Volkswagen are calling the TAP the next step towards a fully integrated safer driving style – the sensors recognise speed limits, when to overtake and when to slow down.

The Wolfsburg-based firm are hopeful that if the tests are successful, they can further incorporate the TAP into more cars like the Up!.

Professor Jurgen Leohold, the director of research at Volkswagen said: “What we have achieved is an important milestone on the path towards fully automatic and accident-free car driving.

The driver can override or deactivate the system at any time and must continually monitor it.  Studies found 14 per cent of road accidents are caused by vehicles drifting out of their lane,” he added.