Panasonic plans to develop fully autonomous electric vehicles

According to a report by Kyodo News, Panasonic is conducting a demonstration test to develop a small electric vehicle (EV) that can drive fully autonomously. The technology uses image recognition technology and artificial intelligence (AI) and aims to complete the development by around 2020. Panasonic does not envision selling the car itself, but is looking to provide technology to automakers in the future or accept design outsourcing.

Domestic and foreign automakers and IT companies are competing to develop self-driving cars, and the Japanese government has also listed it as a key project in its economic growth strategy. Panasonic also hopes to cultivate automotive-related businesses such as on-board batteries, sensors, and cameras into profit growth points.

The EV in the test is a small car for two people, which basically maintains a low speed of 40 kilometers per hour. It is currently envisioned to be used in limited areas such as commercial facilities.

The car is equipped with multiple cameras and sensors to check the front, back, left, and right conditions to prevent collisions. It also strives to achieve fully autonomous driving by using technologies such as AI and GPS.

The prototype vehicle has already started driving tests on a test track set up in Yokohama City. This year, the company will also conduct tests in an environment close to a highway at the company's headquarters in Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture, and will consider driving on actual highways later.

The company's head predicted: "In addition to passenger cars, a wide range of technical applications can be envisioned, such as agricultural tractors and loading and unloading vehicles for logistics facilities."

As a winner of Toutiao's Qingyun Plan and Baijiahao's Bai+ Plan, the 2019 Baidu Digital Author of the Year, the Baijiahao's Most Popular Author in the Technology Field, the 2019 Sogou Technology and Culture Author, and the 2021 Baijiahao Quarterly Influential Creator, he has won many awards, including the 2013 Sohu Best Industry Media Person, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Beijing Third Place, the 2015 Guangmang Experience Award, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Finals Third Place, and the 2018 Baidu Dynamic Annual Powerful Celebrity.