Audi has a lightbulb moment with intelligent traffic light innovation
Whilst most automakers remain focused on delivering autonomous vehicles, Audi is taking a slightly different tack by introducing new onboard technology which it says will enable its vehicles to communicate with traffic lights.
As anyone who has ever seen red while waiting at a stop light will attest, dumb timers are no match for a dynamic system and as such Audi promise their gadget will give drivers the heads up on when lights are scheduled to change, reducing the risk of running a red light as well as frustration.
This will be communicated via a dashboard countdown timer detailing precisely how long the wait will be before hitting the gas, an innovation designed to improve comfort and convenience, rather than safety.
The vehicle-to-infrastructure wireless transmission system will be rolled out in A4 models produced from 1 June this year, although don’t expect to be having a chat with your neighbourhood traffic lights any time soon as major infrastructure investment required to make the system viable.