Jaguar Land Rover developing ‘self-learning car’ technology

JLR’s ‘intelligent car’ concept will recognise drivers by their smartphone, and by the time the driver has opened the car door, the mirrors, steering wheel and seat settings will all be set to their individual preferences. The cabin will be pre-set to their preferred temperature, which will automatically change if it is raining or snowing.

Through the ‘Smart Assistant’ feature, the car will review the driver’s schedule and set the navigation depending on traffic conditions to avoid congestion. It will also predict the driver’s next destination based on their schedule.

The self-learning car will also know if the driver is going to the gym, for example, and will have learnt that they prefer a different temperature on the way there as they warm up and a different temperature to cool down on their way home.

Before taking children to school, Smart Assistant will review the driver’s calendar and remind them to pack their children’s sports bag on sports day.

If they usually make a phone call at a certain time on a particular journey, the car will offer to make the call. And if the driver is going to be late for an appointment or meeting, the car will offer to call or email ahead with minimal or no driver interaction.

The self-learning car will also learn the individual’s driving style in a range of traffic conditions and on different road types. When adaptive cruise control is activated, the car will apply learned distance settings and acceleration preferences.

Jaguar Land Rover research and technology director Dr Wolfgang Epple said technology concepts like the self-learning car would ensure that any future intelligent car remained “fun and rewarding to drive as we move closer to more autonomous driving over the next 10 years”.

“This is important because in the future customers will still want an emotional connection and a thrilling drive – with the ability to drive autonomously when required.

“Up until now most self-learning car research has only focused on traffic or navigation prediction.

“We want to take this a significant step further and our new learning algorithm means information learnt about you will deliver a completely personalised driving experience and enhance driving pleasure.”

JLR has not announced a timeline for when self-learning car technology will make the leap from concept stage to production at this stage.