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Volkswagen has demonstrated a system called Temporary Auto Pilot (TAP) which can cruise semi-automatically on motorways at up to 130km/h.

Executive director of Volkswagen Group Research Prof Dr Jurgen Leohold unveiled the TAP system at the final presentation of the €28m EU research project HAVEit (Highly Automated Vehicles for Intelligent Transport) in Boras, Sweden.

TAP is intended to prevent accidents due to driving errors by an inattentive, distracted driver. Using production-type radar, camera and ultrasonic sensors, supplemented by a laser scanner and an electronic horizon, the TAP system maintains a safe distance to the vehicle ahead, drives at a speed selected by the driver, reduces speed as necessary before a bend, and maintains the vehicle's central position with respect to lane markers. The system also observes motorway overtaking rules and speed limits. Stop and start driving manoeuvres in traffic jams are also automated.

"Nonetheless, the driver always retains driving responsibility and is always in control," said Prof Dr Leohold. "The driver can override or deactivate the system at any time and must continually monitor it."

"What we have achieved today is an important milestone on the path towards accident-free car driving," he said. "One conceivable scenario for its initial use might be in monotonous driving situations, e.g. in traffic jams or over sections of a driving route that are exceedingly speed-limited".