In a further step towards safer and more intelligent mobility, carmaker Audi is using high-precision swarm data for the first time to improve its car-to-X service “Local Hazard Information”. The new version uses a car-to-cloud application that is based on a novel procedure for estimating the coefficient of friction on the basis of the wheel slip, to warn other drivers of dangerous road conditions.

This technology can detect the tiniest changes in road surface adhesion, upload data to the cloud for processing, and warn upcoming drivers of road ice or other slippery conditions in near real time. The driver sees a warning in the Audi virtual cockpit or on the optional head-up display and can act accordingly.

Since 2017, cars made by Audi have been able to warn each other about accidents, broken down vehicles, traffic jams, road ice, or limited visibility, through a communication technology known as ‘car to X’. It analyzes various data for Local Hazard Information, including activation of Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), rain and light sensors, windshield wipers, headlights, emergency calls, and airbag triggers. Audi is now taking the next step by improving the service with high-precision swarm data to make the warning even faster and more precise.

Audi is the first manufacturer to use a patented solution from Swedish company NIRA Dynamics AB for this purpose. The two companies adapted this solution as a basis to develop the enhanced hazard alerts together with the Car.Software organization and HERE Technologies.

Audi says that with greater vehicle numbers the system can learn, analyze, and create maps, and thereby inform or warn the drivers depending on the situation. In 2021, more than 1.7 million vehicles from the Volkswagen Group in Europe will contribute data for this improved hazard information service, and this will increase to more than 3 million in 2022. The service is available in new models from Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT, Škoda, Porsche, Bentley, and Lamborghini.