Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled a prototype door
which can automatically open as the driver approaches or be operated by gesture
control. Dubbed the mobility door prototype, Jaguar Land Rover’s new
technology combines motion sensors with existing keyless entry technology to
detect a driver walking towards the vehicle before automatically opening the
door.
The British car manufacturer says the technology
will prove especially important for disabled people that use a car as their
main form of transport. Additionally, it will be useful for people carrying
large items as the driver that don’t have a free hand to open the door.
Much like a Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover’s
mobility door prototype can be closed from the inside with the press of an
overhead button. To ensure doors don’t randomly open into the path of
obstacles, such as lamp posts, radar sensors have been fitted. Users can also
configure the door to close and lock as they walk away. Of course, automatic opening doors
like this aren’t a new technology. For example, Tesla owners have been enjoying
similar technology for quite some time.
Nevertheless, former Royal Marine Commando and
triple amputee Mark Ormrod, says the technology will be very handy for people
with disabilities. Jaguar Land Rover hasn’t said when it will introduce the technology
to its production vehicles.
