Renault Demos Automated Object Avoidance Tech

Renault SA reports it has developed an industry-first object avoidance technology that allows autonomous vehicles to quickly identify and swerve around unexpected road obstacles.

The carmaker showcased the system in a specially equipped Zoe supermini car at its Silicon Valley Innovation Lab, which it opened with alliance partner Nissan Motor Co. in 2011. The car uses artificial intelligence to learn high-speed avoidance maneuvers from professional drivers, then can match the driving performance on its own, according to Renault. The company provided no details about the system.

Renault developed the technology in conjunction with Stanford University’s Dynamic Design Lab. The Stanford Lab is led by professor Chris Gerdes, who previously was the chief innovation officer for the U.S. Dept. of Transportation.

Renault and its Dacia and Alpine units plan to equip 15 models—including eight fully electric vehicles—with various levels of autonomy over the next five years. The company says it will invest about $21.1 billion on overall research and development through 2022.

Watch a video of the Zoe demo here.