The Audi Automated Driving Development (A2D2) R&D office is officially open in San Jose, California. Audi will use the new facility to focus on the development of ADAS technology for the North American market. The automaker says A2D2 will have the flexibility to develop new software and to collaborate with nearby startups for production-intent applications.
“Given the rapid advancement of driver assistance technologies in North America, it’s important to be part of the latest breakthroughs, work with leading-edge technology startups, and attract the top talent,” explained Frank Grosshauser, Senior Director, ADAS, Audi of America.
A2D2 Will Hire New Engineers
Audi maintains R&D offices in various locations throughout the United States. However, A2D2 is the first office dedicated to ADAS technology as it relates to North American roads and driving behaviors. “We’re looking to bring on as many as 60 engineers to develop new functionalities, catered specifically to North American Audi customer needs,” Grosshauser added.
In the last few years, Audi has worked diligently with Traffic Technology Services to expand the Audi Traffic Light Information system to more cites in the U.S. “It is worth the effort to front-load for that kind of technology,” said Michael Zweck, Project Manager for Traffic Light Information at Audi AG.
Unique & Special Vehicles
With the opening of A2D2, Audi has prepared several Q7 development vehicles with roof-mounted sensors. The collected data will then be processed and analyzed by engineers on location at A2D2.
What’s interesting is how the A2D2 development vehicles are wrapped in a QR code that links to a webpage with Audi’s latest advancements in automated driving. The Audi Design Loft in Malibu, California, did the QR code wrapping.
Collective Effort
Car.Software, a newly formed Volkswagen Group unit, will assist the A2D2 office. “All Volkswagen Group brands have concentrated their automated driving development activities within this unit,” reads a statement from Audi. “This pooling of expertise ensures that synergies can be leveraged, and benefits can be realized for all Volkswagen Group brands.”
