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TRANSLOGIC 147: CES 2014 Autonomous Vehicles

We head back to CES in Las Vegas to check on the progress of autonomous vehicles in 2014. We go hands-free on the highway with Audi, narrowly avoid a collision with Ford and hear all about BMW's drifting driverless car. But first we take a ride on Induct's self-driving Navia shuttle.

Audi to use this telepresence robot to fix cars

Next time you take your Audi in for service, watch to see if a little white stand is following your mechanic around. It's not some new measurement tool for your car; it's a actually a robot being controlled remotely to improve vehicle service. While bots playing a role in building cars is nothing new, the company is taking things a step further in the US by introducing Audi Robotic Telepresence to assist dealer technicians in repairing the brand's vehicles. The droids are already being used in a pilot program at about 18 dealers nationwide with plans to have it at 100 in the near future.
At the moment, ART, as its called, is more R2-D2 than The Terminator. It certainly won't be doing any wrenching on your A4 anytime soon because it doesn't even have arms. Instead, the robot comprises a remote-controlled stand with multiple cameras, a microphone and speakers. The bot is operated remotely by Audi Technical Assistance consultants and Technical Field Managers who can talk back-and-forth with mechanics about vehicle service and help to remotely diagnose problems. The droid is even equipped with a handheld camera and borescope to reach into tiny crevices.
Audi claims that ART is the first system of its kind to directly link automakers with technicians at the dealer level in this way and leads to faster, more accurate service for customers. Scroll down to watch a video of the bot in action and read the release for the current list of participating dealers.

Audi A6 and A7 get a fresh face and upgraded equipment

It's been six years since the introduction of the Audi A6 and A7, but the automaker isn't ready to replace them just yet. So, in order to keep up with fresher competition, Ingolstadt has given its mid-range lineup a bit of a refresh. That includes not only a subtle facelift, but some new equipment, as well. The refreshed models benefit from new front-end styling, side sills, rear bumpers, and rear diffusers that look incrementally sharper than the existing versions. The updated interior features LED ambient lighting, with new trim options to join the expanded range of exterior colors and wheel choices. The infotainment system has been upgraded, and there are tablets mounted to the seatbacks to keep rear-seat passengers entertained. The sum total definitely falls in the evolutionary rather than revolutionary category. But they promise to help attract customers to Audi showrooms who might otherwise be lured towards the newer Mercedes E-Class, Cadillac CTS, Jaguar XF, or Maserati Ghibli, while keeping pace with the BMW 5 Series and Lexus GS that are growing just as long in the tooth. The updates are applied not only to base A6 and A7 models, but also to the Allroad Quattro and the S6 and S7 performance models. Audi says these refreshed cars will be available to order soon for delivery in the summer, and best of all, it hasn't raised the sticker prices in the process. Related Video: 04/22/16 Ingolstadt New look and new equipment – Audi A6 and A7 getting even more attractive - New highlights for exterior and interior and for equipment - Even more connectivity and entertainment on offer - Comprehensive equipment package for the Audi A6 allroad quattro Audi is making its full-size A6 and A7 Sportback* car lines even more exclusive. The exterior of the Sedan and Avant is set to become a touch sharper, with all models featuring interior enhancements and new equipment. There is a new, comprehensive equipment package for the A6 allroad quattro*. The updated full-size family is available to order worldwide soon. Deliveries will take place in the summer. Quality, design and technology – those are the key selling points for Audi full-size models. With the start of the new model year, the brand is further enhancing its models.