Toyota’s new self-driving car's prototype has two steering wheels

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The latest autonomous vehicle prototype by Toyota Research Institute (TRI) will have two steering wheels to prevent robot joyriding.

The prototype, which as per a report in The Verge is being called Platform 2.1. by the company officials also features better sensors and improved detection along with the additional steering wheel.

The prototype is an upgraded Lexus LS 600hl and is part of the ongoing research carried out by the Silicon Valley-based research arm of Toyota. Equipped with Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) radar and camera arrays, the new prototypes are the improved versions of the model that the researchers had launched earlier this year.

Source: TToyota Research Institute on Twitter

According to James Kuffner, chief technology officer at TRI, the “unique dual cockpit configuration” will allow a trained safety operator to take over the controls in case the car confronts obstacles. Additionally, this will allow researchers to let the car drive itself without anyone in the driver seat and any fear that the vehicle will go out of control.

The vehicle will be used as a base for two of TRI’s self-driving research systems i.e. Chauffeur and Guardian. The former is a self-driving mode care, Guardian, on the other hand, is a driver-assist system similar to Tesla’s Autopilot that aids safety by monitoring the surrounding environment. It alerts the driver to potential hazards and steps in to assist with crash avoidance in time of emergency.

The importance given to measures that will ensure the safety of automated vehicles comes after concerns were raised about an eventuality when the system got out of control.

Traffic safety agencies in countries like the US have issued stern warnings to automakers following an accident that involved a Tesla vehicle last year. The onus now lies on automated vehicle manufacturers to make amends and convince the public about their safety.