US researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) working with Volkswagen
have developed an intelligent ‘robot’ that will help drivers plan their route using real-time traffic reports – and also remind them when to fill up with petrol or suggest places to visit.

The Affective Intelligent Driving Agent (AIDA) works by analysing the driver’s pattern of journeys and remembers frequently used routes. It should be able to remember the way home within seven days of usage, say the developers – and will suggest filling up with petrol if it registers that the tank is getting low on petrol. It will also suggest quicker routes if roads usually taken are jammed with traffic or road accidents.

The robot screen will use real-time information, say the researchers –and is designed as a ‘friendly and informed’ driving companion, assimilating information about weather conditions, neighbourhood attractions and events, as well as traffic flow. According to a report in the Daily Mail, it will even be able to offer sympathy if a driver has had a tough day at work.

The device takes the form of a screen mounted on a robotic tripod.

Director of MIT's SENSEable City Lab, Professor Carlo Ratti, said:

'Aida embodies a new effort to make sense of these great amounts of data, harnessing our personal electronic devices as tools for behavioural support.’

Assaf Biderman from the SENSEable City Lab added:

'Aida can also give you feedback on your driving, helping you achieve more energy efficiency and safer behavior.’

The researchers say that eventually driver and machine will form a ’symbiotic’ bond, where both will learn from one another.

The Aida project is a collaboration between the Personal Robots Group at the MIT Media Lab, together with MIT’s SENSEable City Lab and the Volkswagen Group of America’s Electronics Research Lab.

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