Audi has set a new speed record for self-driving cars, topping 149 miles per hour with its RS-7 concept vehicle.
The record was achieved this past weekend in a test drive on the Grand Prix track in Hockenheim, Germany, in which the car was able to complete a lap at racing speed in just over two minutes, according to PC Magazine.
GPS signals were transmitted to the RS-7 via Wi-Fi to make sure the car stayed on the track, and the vehicle's 3D cameras filmed the track as the car went along. Audi said it included an advanced computer program in the car's trunk to compare the information from images to that of an on-board data set, which gave the car the ability to guide itself around the track.
The German automaker also ran a test with a human behind the wheel, taking five seconds longer to finish the circuit than it did in the autonomous ride, BBC News reported.
Dr. Horst Glaser, a member of Audi's research, said the company believes the RS-7 has the potential to be used by your everyday driver.
"I know accident-free driving will remain a vision. But at least we can reduce the number of accidents in the future," he said, adding that the technology could be useful in situations like traffic jams and when the driver gets distracted.
"Additionally, the driver has a chance to relax," Glaser said. "That means they are on full alert as soon as their attention is required again."
However, there are some who believe more work needs to be done before everyone can own a self-driving car, such as Prof. David Bailey from Aston Business School, who says car makers needs to make sure these vehicles can interact with other self-driving cars and those being driven by humans, BBC News reported.
Bailey added that insurance presents a big issue when it comes to who is responsible for accidents. However, he said a reduction in accidents and more efficient traveling could present big saving opportunities for the economy.
The FBI is also concerned about self-driving cars, saying they have the potential to be used as weapons if the wrong people get control over them, PC Magazine reported.
While both sides offer their views on autonomous technology, Audi plans to make the RS-7 available to consumers within five years. Audi is also not only in the self-driving car race, as Nissan, Toyota, Mercedes and other automakers are also working to make the technology available in their cars.
