Honda joined the driver-less car race Tuesday with the introduction of a prototype it claims can safely drive itself.
The prototype comes in the form of an Acura RLX Sedan, and the Japanese automaker said its cars could begin featuring the technology in 2020, The Associated Press reported. Features include cameras that keep track of lane marking, radar sensors on the front and sides, a GPS that helps the vehicle stay on course and follow the speed limit, and a beacon on top that uses laser beams to scan the car's surroundings.
Other companies that are working on self-driving cars include automakers Toyota and Ford, as well as search giant Google.
The car was taken on a test drive for an eight-mile loop in Detroit, according to The Associated Press. It accelerated to the speed limit and put on the breaks if it got too close to the car in front of it, all while the driver had his hands off the wheel. The vehicle also signaled to change lanes and waited for a chance to go, merged onto freeways and avoided a construction zone. The car slowed down to 35 miles per hour on the ramp to exit.
Honda said the driver will be given back control of the vehicle if the car senses that it won't be able to deal with certain dangers, such as if another car cuts in front of it too closely and the Honda needs to brake quickly.
Hironobu Kiryu, the chief engineer of the vehicle, said Honda spent a year developing the prototype, The Associated Press reported. He added that the company plans to use the vehicle to prevent accidents for the driver, pedestrians and drivers of other cars.
Engineers and researchers will be able to get a look at Honda's self-driving car this week in Detroit at this year's Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress.
