Jaguar Land Rover working on self-opening car doors
So your car unlocks when you get next to it and pull the door handle? Cute. Because Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has developed car doors that automatically opens as the driver approaches it. It’s for a higher purpose though, as the technology is designed to help disabled people which uses a car as the main mode of transport.
JLR is currently the mobility door prototype door on a Range Rover Sport and utilises motion sensors and existing keyless technology to detect the driver’s presence. Once the person is close enough the doors will open automatically like, as JLR puts it, an invisible valet. The system can also work with gesture control.
Once inside, the driver can then close the door by pushing a button. In fact, operation of both front doors can be controlled from inside the cabin, with the status of all doors (including the rear) displayed on the infotainment system. Radar sensors on the driver’s door detect lamp posts or other obstacles to stop the door swinging open and bumping into objects. The door can also be programmed to close and lock behind you as you walk away.
JLR is working with former Royal Marine Commando Mark Ormrod who is a gold-medal winning Invictus athlete. Mark is a triple amputee as a result of the Afghanistan conflict.
"This innovative Jaguar Land Rover technology would be such a benefit to me and has real power to change lives for those who face problems getting in and out of the car. Opening and closing the car door may seem like such an insignificant task to many people but sometimes it’s the small, everyday obstacles which people take for granted that are most frustrating to overcome for those living with disabilities."
- Mark Ormrod, Invictus Games gold medallist.
