Renault SYMBIOZ Demo car: experience tomorrow today. Autonomous, electric and connected.
Autonomous cars use technology that is new to the industry. One of the goals of the SYMBIOZ demo car is to enable Renault to make the transition from theory to practice, to allow its engineers and designers to address the many challenges and opportunities presented by autonomous driving.
From base level driving assistance like cruise control to full driving automation in any roads, SAE International* has defined five levels of autonomous driving. The SYMBIOZ demo car is capable of reaching Level 4, also known as ‘mind-off’.
Level 4 frees up the driver from all dynamic driving tasks when the car’s automated driving system is switched on. It is no longer necessary for the driver to concentrate on the road ahead. The car is capable of moving into a safe position if it cannot deal with an unexpected incident ahead.
On authorized highways or dual roads with a median strip, a Level 4 autonomous car like SYMBIOZ demo car can adjust the vehicle’s speed in accordance with the car in front, stay in its lane even when cornering, change lanes (i.e. to overtake another car or exit the highway) and function alone in traffic jams.
Level 4 driving automation is currently not permitted under French road rules. However, France’s road authorities (and similar organisations in other countries) allow trials to take place if someone is travelling in the car and can supervise the autonomous drive mode. This person needs to be able to take back control of the vehicle at any time. The SYMBIOZ demo car road tests will be conducted under these provisions.
