Self-driving Car Being Tested in Albany

Audi of America will conduct a self-driving vehicle demonstration in Albany near the state Capitol on June 13, the first such event in the Empire State, following an announcement earlier this month by Gov. Cuomo that New York State is accepting applications from companies interested in testing or demonstrating autonomous vehicles on public roads. 

Included in the FY 2018 Budget, new legislation allows for testing autonomous technology through a year-long pilot program. Audi of America Inc. was the first company to apply for the rights to demonstrate this technology in New York and the first to be approved under the program. The technology they plan to demonstrate in the Capital Region is considered to be a Level 3 in autonomous vehicle operations by the Society of Automobile Engineers, meaning it is capable of safely allowing hands-free driving at posted highway speeds, but requiring a person to take over if required. Two trained engineers will be in the vehicle to monitor the system and ensure safety, one in the front seat and one in the back seat. The vehicle has already logged thousands of miles on highways across the U.S. safely.

The company’s vehicle routing information has been pre-approved by the New York State Police and its application was approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles on Friday, May 26.