Unveiled at the Auto Shanghai 2019, Audi have revealed their visionary mobility concept for the megacities of the future: The showcar, known as the Audi AI:ME.
As the name suggests the new Audi AI:ME uses artificial intelligence and promises to offer compact dimensions, a spacious, futuristic interior, and the ability to drive autonomously at level 4 allowing the occupants to do whatever they like with their time whilst on board.
The Audi AI:ME is designed as a 2 plus-x-seater. Its layout relies on a variety of configurations for seat positions and stowage space. While only the individual seats at the front will be used during most journeys, the car offers space for up to four people in the front and on the rear bench if necessary.
Designed for use in the city and for driving at what is known as level 4, the second-highest level on a standardized international scale for increasing automation meaning their function is limited to a specific area—such as highways or a specially equipped area in inner cities. In these places, the driver can completely transfer the task of driving to the system. The driver needs to resume the task only when the car leaves the area defined for fully automated driving therefore the Audi AI:ME is equipped with the traditional steering wheel and pedalry control elements in addition.
Plants inside a car? The AI:ME appeals to all the senses
“We want to provide solutions to our customers’ needs,” says Nissen. “We create a feel-good atmosphere by appealing to all of the users’ senses.” It starts with the way the AI:ME adjusts itself to suit the user’s preferences as soon as he gets in: temperature, ambient lighting, seat positioning. And it continues with luxurious materials and furniture and even real plants that add to the immediate visual appeal. Real plants, James? “Yes, we use climbing plant across the see-through roof to bring a bit of nature into the big city. Aside from that, they improve the air quality.” Speaking of clean air: the car features an air management system that filters the polluted air of the metropolis and provides fresh, clean air in the interior.
The passenger should experience the AI:ME as an oasis of calm that provides an escape from the stress and noise of daily life. Cocooning — it’s not just for the living room anymore. Now it’s coming to cars! I finish the rest of my coffee and step out of the car at home — relaxed and feeling good.
On-board the Audi AI:ME offers a broad range of high-tech features for communication, entertainment, or simply relaxation. There is a multifunctional, three-dimensional OLED monitor that runs below and along the entire length of the windshield and is used primarily in dialogue with eye-tracking control. Terminologically coded function menus, for example for navigation or infotainment, can be activated with the eye and then open up further levels that move from the background into the sharp view mode on the 3D monitor. There are also VR goggles on board for the visual output of the infotainment system. They turn Internet use, watching movies, or even interactive gaming into a fascinating experience for the passengers
The AI:ME is the third concept car to join the marque’s conceptual vision following on from the AIcon and PB 18. The fourth and final model of the series will be revealed at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September, where all the four concept cars will be on display together.
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