The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) is working on autonomous drifting technology that can come in handy in extreme situations.
The non-human floating Supra was announced in February and here’s the first test video. The car is controlled by the driver, but in an emergency it goes into autonomous mode and starts drifting to dodge an obstacle or fit into a curve.
Supra is equipped with non-linear predictive control technology and a brake force distribution system that allows you to lock each of the wheels. The computer also controls the steering, throttle and sequential gearbox. This allows the electronics to fully control the car and build up a trajectory.
The stabilization system and the anti-lock braking system are disabled while drifting. This contributes to the maneuverability of the car and allows it to slide sideways if necessary. This technology also performs very well in icy conditions: when the car suddenly skids, the system quickly returns it to the desired trajectory through a controlled skid.
As a result, autonomous drift technology can become a new active safety system.
Photo, video: Toyota