Volvo Cars unveiled its collaboration with Google on ‘HD mapping’ technology at CES 2023, the world’s largest consumer electronics and IT show held in the U.S. The ‘HD map’ is a high-precision map that provides vehicles with information about road curvature, slope, speed limits, and lane-level geometry with over 10 times the resolution of existing maps.
Having maintained a long-standing partnership with Google to define the future through software, Volvo Cars announced the industry’s first HD mapping technology initiative in its newly revealed Volvo EX90. In the domestic market, the HD maps from TMAP are set to be integrated starting with the Volvo EX90, offering an advanced ‘TMAP infotainment system.’
The ‘Volvo EX90,’ unveiled last November, is equipped with advanced driver safety technology through integration with high-performance core computers and sensors like LiDAR, cameras, and radar. However, for even safer and more accurate driving technology in the future, it will require detailed recognition not just of the immediate road environment but also of distant surroundings beyond winding roads.
The HD mapping technology provided by Google is set to complement these road limitations. By combining accurate lane and sign information gathered through HD mapping with local data, it enhances the performance of driving assistance technologies like lane change support and pilot assist. Real-time road information from LiDAR and other sensor data is processed through the core computer system operating on NVIDIA Drive AI platforms, Xavier and Orin.
Furthermore, Google’s HD maps will integrate with data collected by Luminar’s LiDAR sensors and Zenseact’s software installed in the Volvo EX90. This combination enables a more predictable, safe, and comfortable driving experience.
Javier Varela, Chief Operating Officer of Volvo Cars, stated, “Volvo Cars has launched Google’s HD map technology in its future lineup based on its willingness to actively partner with leading companies in technology. With Google’s HD mapping technology integrated into upcoming vehicles, we can offer drivers a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.”
In the domestic market, HD maps from TMAP will be applied starting with the upcoming ‘Volvo EX90.’ This feature aims to deliver more accurate and detailed information to customers through the integrated ‘TMAP infotainment’ system, backed by an investment of about 30 billion over two years to apply this across all vehicles.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr