Exploring Google HD Maps in the Brand-New Volvo EX90
January 25 2024,
Volvo's upcoming release, the Volvo EX90, marks a significant leap forward in the realm of assisted driving technology and sets the stage for the future of autonomous driving. At the core of this advancement is the integration of Google HD Maps, a meticulously crafted map system tailored for automakers, which promises to redefine the driving experience with unprecedented detail and accuracy.
A Fusion of Cutting-Edge Technology
The Volvo EX90 is not just a vehicle; it's a complex ecosystem where various technologies converge to ensure safety and comfort. Lidar, cameras, and radars work in unison to create a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle's immediate and distant surroundings. However, to elevate assisted driving technologies and pave the way for autonomous driving, there's a need for an intricate recognition of the environment. This is where Google HD Maps comes into play, offering a level of detail that's critical for advanced driving assistance systems.
Google HD Maps: Revolutionizing Road Awareness
Developed specifically for car manufacturers, Google HD Maps provides an intricate and constantly updated representation of roadways. Volvo Cars, in a continued partnership with Google and alongside its strategic affiliate Polestar, stands at the forefront of adopting this technology, debuting it in the Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3. The integration of Google HD Maps into the Volvo EX90 is more than just a feature; it's a synergy where high-precision lane-level data and localization information from Google are combined with data from the EX90's industry-leading sensors. This integration facilitates advanced semi-autonomous features like lane change assistance and enhances Volvo Cars' Pilot Assist technology.
A Symphony of Sensors and AI
The Volvo EX90 is equipped with an advanced exterior sensor set, including a lidar, 5 radars, and 8 cameras, ensuring a comprehensive perception of the vehicle's surroundings. When this high-fidelity sensor data is processed alongside the detailed information from Google HD Maps, the result is a driving experience that's not only safer but also more intuitive. The vehicle's core computing system, powered by NVIDIA DRIVE AI Platforms Xavier and Orin, ensures that the vast amount of data is processed efficiently, enabling real-time decision-making and assisted driving capabilities.
Towards Safer, More Autonomous Driving
With features like lane markers and localization objects such as signs, Google HD Maps supports L2+ and L3 assisted driving technology, paving the way for safer, more hands-free driving on designated roadways. The fusion of Google HD Maps with the Volvo EX90's sensor data creates a driving environment that's predictable, safe, and comfortable. Lidar from Luminar and software developed by assisted driving software company Zenseact further contribute to this advanced driving ecosystem.
Javier Varela, COO and Deputy CEO of Volvo, emphasizes the significance of integrating Google HD Maps into their future car lineup. He notes that this expansion of Volvo's strategic collaboration with Google not only enhances the driving experience for customers but also contributes to the safe introduction of autonomous driving technologies.
The integration of Google HD Maps in the Volvo EX90 represents a significant milestone in the journey towards autonomous driving. By blending detailed map data with advanced sensor technology and AI-driven computing power, Volvo is setting new standards for safety, comfort, and driving innovation. As drivers look forward to the enhanced capabilities of the Volvo EX90, the collaboration between industry leaders like Volvo, Google, Luminar, Zenseact, and NVIDIA is a testament to the power of technology in shaping the future of transportation.
