Volvo will conduct the Southern Hemisphere’s first on-road trials of driverless cars in Adelaide in November.
The test will coincide with an international conference on driverless cars in the city, after South Australia legalised their use on its roads this year.
Volvo will test the same vehicle being used in their “Drive Me” project in Sweden.
The testing is part of independent road research agency ARRB’s Australian Driverless Vehicle Initiative.
ARRB managing director Gerard Walton said automated vehicles are a short-term reality that Australia needs to be prepared for.
“ARRB will establish how driverless technology needs to be manufactured and introduced for uniquely Australian driving behaviour, our climate and road conditions, including what this means for Australia’s national road infrastructure, markings, surfaces and roadside signage,” he said.
South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill said the technology promises to provide an opportunity for South Australia to become a key player in the emerging industry.
In the trials, on an expressway on November 7-8, vehicles will conduct manoeuvres such as overtaking, lane changing, emergency braking and the use of on and off ramps.