Jaguar Land Rover revealed some of the prototype autonomous technologies being developed by its U.K.-based research team. New features include the “multi-point turn” Range Rover Sport, which can perform a 180-degree autonomous turn in the road. A remote control feature also allows a driver to control the vehicle from outside the car using a smartphone app. This includes steering control, acceleration and brakes. That means a driver can walk alongside the car to maneuver it out of difficult situations, such as in a parking lot.

Jaguar Land Rover showcase a remote control Range Rover Sport. Image credit: Jaguar Land RoverThe remote control function can be used only if the smart key can be detected, and if the user is within 10 meters of the vehicle. The system is designed to stop the vehicle automatically if the driver gets too close or too far away.

The “multi-point turn” function of the Range Rover Sport turns the vehicle 180 degrees and points the car in the opposite direction. The car would be able, for example, to remove itself from situations like dead-end roads or congested car parks.

The system uses sensors to assess available space and to avoid pedestrians, vehicles and other objects by taking over gear selection, steering, braking and acceleration. The research team is also working to develop technology to scan the environment around the car to inform the driver whether a turn is safe.

Jaguar Land Rover’s vision is to offer a choice of an engaged or autonomous drive. This means the car will be able to drive itself if the driver chooses. The technology requires a fusion of sensors with different attributes including radar, LIDAR, cameras, ultrasonics and structured light technology.