Creating Safer Roads Through Advanced Technologies: Volvos' Collaboration with Google's HD Map
January 13 2023,
With the Volvo EX90, drivers can now benefit from Google's HD Maps technology which offers unparalleled clarity and detail of their current environment as well as potential future roads. This mapping system is a part of the car's advanced suite of lidar, radar, and camera sensors that help support its journey towards semi- and fully autonomous driving capabilities. The introduction of this comprehensive map in the Volvo EX90 marks a major milestone for Volvo Cars' ongoing partnership with Google, setting a new standard in automotive technology.
“The addition of Google HD Maps in our future car line-up marks an expansion of our strategic collaboration with Google, reflecting our commitment to work with technology leaders,” says COO and Deputy CEO Javier Varela. “Implementing Google HD Maps in our upcoming cars will help us offer our drivers a more enjoyable driving experience and in future contribute to the introduction of safe autonomous driving.”
By integrating Google's HD map, Volvo is able to unlock a new level of driving experience for its customers. With lane-level data and enhanced localization objects such as markers and signs, car manufacturers like Volvo are empowered to implement semi-autonomous features such as lane change assistance and Volvo Cars' Pilot Assist technology.
Leveraging this data along with the information gathered from the lidar and sensors in the EX90, NVIDIA DRIVE AI Platforms Xavier and Orin process this information for increased safety on select roadways. This integration also takes into account data from Luminar's lidar and Zenseact's software, allowing Volvo to provide their customers with a more reliable, safe, and comfortable ride no matter where they're going.
“Building on our long history of mapping the world, Google’s new HD map is designed specifically for automakers and provides comprehensive lane-level and localization data that is crucial to powering the next generation of assisted and autonomous driving systems,” says Jorgen Behrens, VP and General Manager of Geo Automotive, Google. “We’re excited to continue partnering with leading automakers like Volvo to improve the safety and comfort of drivers everywhere.”
Volvo's collaboration with Google and their HD Maps technology is an important step forward in the journey towards semi-autonomous and fully autonomous driving. It allows for greater accuracy, safety, and convenience while on the road. With lane-level data, enhanced localization objects such as markers and signs, along with information gathered from lidar sensors all being processed by NVIDIA DRIVE AI Platforms Xavier and Orin; Volvo customers are now able to benefit from a more reliable ride no matter where they're going.
This partnership between Volvo Cars and Google also sets a new standard in automotive technology that will continue to revolutionize how we get around safely in years to come.
