Pioneering Robotic Car Technology

NEWS |

Dr Ingmar Posner, Pembroke Fellow in Engineering, is co-leader of the RobotCar UK research project at Oxford University.  Together with colleagues, Dr Posner is developing the technology which would allow drivers to cede control of their vehicle to an on-board computer system capable of controlling the journey, including sensing and avoiding obstacles.

Their prototype car, a Nissan Leaf, has so far been limited to testing on private roads.  However, the UK government has recently announced that driverless cars will be allowed on public roads from January 2015 and cities have been invited to compete for trials of the technology. 

Dr Posner welcomed the announcement saying “Our emerging technology has great potential for creating a future where drivers can not only have a safe and pleasant experience, but also face much less congestion by using an efficient system.  The chance to test and develop our model on public roads will be a great help as we pursue its urban application.”

Part of the Oxford Mobile Robotics Group, Dr Posner’s expertise is in the area of machine learning – specifically semantic mapping, active exploration and life-long learning.  He is Tutor in Engineering at Pembroke, teaching undergraduates here alongside his research.

Recent media coverage has included:

The Guardian 3rd August

South China Morning Post 31st July

Oxford Times 31st July

The Independent 30th July