Volkswagen has used their Munich Motor Show preview event to unveil the ID. Buzz AD (Autonomous Driving). Jointly developed by Argo AI and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, the model is based on the highly anticipated ID. Buzz and is outfitted with cameras, radar and lidar sensors that provide a 360 degree view of its surrounding environment. Volkswagen said the roof-mounted lidar can detect objects more than 1,312 feet (400 meters) away and noted the model has patented “Geiger-mode technology,” which enables it to detect a single photon of light. The latter allows the prototype to detect objects with low reflectivity such as black vehicles.
Besides the sensor suite, the model is equipped with Argo AI’s self-driving system which includes maps, hardware, software, and cloud-support infrastructure. It enables the prototype to “predict the actions of pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles, and direct the engine, braking, and steering systems so that the vehicle moves safely and naturally, like an experienced driver.” The prototype is undergoing extensive testing in preparations for launching a ridepooling service with MOIA. It’s slated to begin serving residents of Hamburg starting in 2025 and while that’s a ways off, Argo AI CEO Bryan Salesky noted the prototype will soon be hitting the streets of Munich for testing.
At the preview event, Volkswagen CEO Dr. Herbert Diess said the company is transitioning from a “vehicle manufacturer to a leading, software-driven global mobility provider.” He added that “We are the company that is redefining mobility – with sustainable, connected and safe mobility solutions for future generations.” Putting all that aside, the prototype gives us a better look at the upcoming ID.Buzz that was previewed by a concept in 2017. As you can see, the van is a lot less retro and features traditional door handles as well as mirrors. The prototype also sports a revised greenhouse, pronounced wheel arches and less adventurous bodywork.
