Intelligent Cars

Many have imagined the day that cars would be able to drive themselves and, the reality is, they're not far from it. The first car manufacturer to introduce these kind of features was the Toyota Motor Corporation. Their Lexus the Toyota Prius models were provided with an Intelligent Parking Assist System (IPAS), which allowed the cars to park on their own. The first IPAS's included parking sensors and reverse cameras. Now Toyota vehicles are available with reverse auto-aligning cameras, side mirror cameras and self-park systems.

Audi’s latest self-drive/park feature is another testament to the automotive industry's application of innovative technologies. The Audi A7 is now capable of driving and parking itself.....remotely. Owners are now able to activate and recall their cars from the parking lot using their mobile devices. When you arrive to the mall, you literally stop in front of the entrance. Leave the car in the middle of the road. Click Park, using the application on your phone. Then the car will find the closet spot available - safely of course. When you leave the mall, click Pick Up on the application and you can expect your car to pick you up shortly.

If you thought Audi's remote driving system was impressive,  Mercedes may blow you away. It's developing self-driving technology in its S-Class models. The car is capable of reaching any destination. It is able to keep a safe distance from cars, stop at traffic lights, slow down for pedestrians and stay in the center of the lane. Let's just say this car sounds safer than an abuelo behind the wheel. It may be hard to believe, but we are close to being able to read a book, have a meal or behind the wheel while arriving at the destination safely. While it may be hard for most of us to trust a car that basically controls itself, the video below shows you just how close we may be....to actually letting the car drive us.