Jaguar Land Rover's intelligent car learns driving skills

Jaguar Land Rover is developing an intelligent car that learns a driver's techniques to prevent them becoming distracted while controlling the vehicle.

The intelligent car's Smart Assistant recognises the driver by their smartphone or tablet and takes notice of how a driver adjusts mirrors, steering wheel or seats, so when they unlock the car, it will adjust the relevant controls for them.

"The aim of our self-learning technology is to minimise driver distraction, which will help reduce the risk of accidents," said Dr Wolfgang Epple, director of research and technology for Jaguar Land Rover.

"Presenting the driver with information just at the right time whilst driving will reduce both cognitive distraction and the need for the driver to look away from the road to scroll through phone lists, or adjust mirrors, temperature or seat functions while on the road."

Jaguar Land Rover's tech also monitors your lifestyle and can remind you of your habits - such as your drive to work or remembering your child's sports kit on PE day via the integrated calendar. At the set time, it will program the SatNav and, if relevant, find the fastest route there, taking into account congestion.

If it's snowing outside, the car will change the temperature accordingly and if you've just been to the gym, for example, it'll make sure the temperature cools you down after your workout.

Habits will be monitored too. If, for example, you like to activate cruise control when on a motorway, it'll set this up automatically next time you're driving around the M25.

Epple added: "This is important because in the future customers will still want an emotional connection and a thrilling drive with the ability to drive autonomously when required....up until now most self-learning car research has only focused on traffic or navigation prediction.

"We want to take this a significant step further and our new learning algorithm means information learnt about you will deliver a completely personalised driving experience and enhance driving pleasure," he added.

The Smart Assistant will be integrated into future Jaguar Land Rover models, although a timeline hasn't yet been announced.

Clare Hopping
Freelance writer

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.

Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.

As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.