Soon, 'auto-pilot' car that drives itself at up to 80mph

London, Jan 17 (ANI): A leading carmaker has developed a new temporary auto pilot system that takes complete control over braking, steering and speeds up to 80mph, without letting the drivers do a thing.

The research car is being used as a 'test bed' for autopilot technologies - and these are slowly filtering through into Volkswagen's new cars, the Daily Mail reported.

The new Up! comes with a laser-assisted City Emergency Braking system that automatically slams on the brakes in case of objects in front of the car - based on technologies from the Temporary Auto Pilot car.

Laser sensors fitted to the car detect white lines at the centre and side of roads to make sure that the vehicle stays in the correct lane.

It also scans the road ahead for obstacles or other motorists and applies the brakes to slow down the car or bring it to a halt.

It implies that a driver can accelerate to their desired speed, turn on cruise control - and take their hands and feet off the wheel and pedals.

"What we have achieved is an important milestone on the path towards fully automatic and accident-free car driving," Professor Jurgen Leohold, director of research at Volkswagen, said.

The system has been designed to avoid accidents caused by inattentive or distracted drivers. (ANI)