Mitsubishi is dabbling in autonomous technology.
On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Mitsubishi Electric announced the Emirai3 xAuto, its automated concept car expected in 2020. In the meantime, Mitsubishi is scheduled to debut the concept at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015 from Oct. 29 to Nov. 8.
The concept boasts artificial intelligence, allowing the Emirai3 xAuto to predict and map visible risks based on the movements of other vehicles on the road. The vehicle also uses 3D mapping and can achieve automated parking, even in cramped corners, the company says.
The Emirai3 xAuto's autonomous technology extends to its braking system as well, as it's capable of applying automated emergency brakes in the dark and can evade objects via early detection and motion-predicting sensors. It also boasts a lane-keeping system for extra safety.
The car's artificial-intelligence technology is advanced enough to pinpoint invisible, immobile risks by processing information about potentially dangerous road conditions gathered from the Internet.
Its 3D mapping technology uses quasi-zenith satellites to hit precise measurements down to the centimeter, according to Mitsubishi. In addition, its road-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-vehicle communication sees to it that neighboring cars cooperate, while it responds to challenging road conditions, whether mountainous or snowy, or while in the night or under heavy fog.
Beyond anything Mitsubishi is offering with its Emirai3 xAuto, 2020 seems to be the targeted year for several automakers attempting to make a splash with autonomous technology. Several brands hitting the road that year could mark the official start of the eventual shift from gas and diesel-powered cars to all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles — many of those being self-driving.
