WOLFSBURG, Germany: After intensive trials, Volkswagen's self-driving research vehicle Gen.Urban can now drive autonomously in real urban traffic.
The research vehicle has started the next testing phase in Wolfsburg, Germany.
The current test phase initially involves Volkswagen Group employees and will last for several weeks.
The starting point of the test route is the visitor parking lot at Volkswagen's headquarters building.
From there, the nearly 10km loop runs through Wolfsburg’s city area, passing the Sandkamp factory gate, Saar and Lessing streets, Brandenburger Platz, Breslauer Street, Grauhorststraße, and finally returning via Heinrich-Nordhoff-Street.
Traffic light intersections, roundabouts, current construction sites, residential areas, industrial sections, and possibly congested traffic: the route is chosen to correspond to typical challenges of urban traffic.
Each test drive lasts 20 minutes.
Volkswagen's research project aims to explore how passengers experience riding in a self-driving vehicle without a traditional steering wheel or pedals.
Data on user behaviour and interaction with the Gen.Urban will contribute to the development of future interior and user experience (UX) concepts across the Group’s brands.
Key questions include:
- How do people spend their time in a self-driving vehicle?
- Which digital features best support work, entertainment, or relaxation?
- How should interaction between the vehicle and passengers be designed, particularly for older people or children?
- Simply put: Do people feel comfortable?
Before departure in the Gen.Urban, passengers can customise their preferences – via app or directly in the vehicle – from cabin temperature to ambient lighting.
Upon entering, the Gen.Urban greets the passenger, and the seat automatically adjusts to the desired position.
In addition, the vehicle’s digital interior can be tailored to individual preferences using artificial intelligence (AI).
The wide front display with its information, light, and sound is then adapted to an individual theme.
Gen.Urban is designed without a traditional steering wheel or pedals.
The test participant sits in the driver’s seat, while a trained safety driver monitors the vehicle from the passenger seat.
If necessary, the safety driver can intervene at any time using a specially developed control panel with a joystick.
Volkswagen Group Innovation head Dr Nikolai Ardey explains, "With our Gen.Urban research vehicle, we want to understand exactly how passengers experience autonomous driving. Why? Because the key to a positive customer experience is to build trust – through meaningful interaction, a relaxed atmosphere, and intelligent assistance systems."
