Volkswagen Group is taking steps to improve traffic safety by utilizing sensor and image data from customer vehicles. This data will enhance driver assistance systems and automated driving functions through software updates. The initiative aims to leverage real-world traffic data, focusing on comfort and safety improvements. High-quality information collected from real-time traffic is essential to continually refine these systems. Importantly, customer consent is required for data collection, and Volkswagen adheres to all data protection regulations. The initiative is set to launch in Germany by late 2024, initially involving models from the Volkswagen Passenger Cars and Audi brands, with other brands joining gradually.
The initiative also involves the use of swarm data from Volkswagen’s fleet to create high-resolution maps and provide lane guidance in areas lacking road markings. Developers are focusing on specific scenarios where driver assistance systems prove especially valuable, such as emergency braking or sudden evasive actions. The data collection includes environmental sensor outputs, weather, speed, and other driving metrics. CARIAD’s cloud platform will handle secure data transfer from vehicles. Additionally, while data might impact other road users like pedestrians and cyclists, data protection rules are strictly followed, ensuring privacy.
