Washington, June 28: Volkswagen has unveiled a Temporary Auto Pilot technology that allows a car to drive semi-automatically at speeds of up to 80 mph on highways.

For now, the driver retains full control of the car, but with the technology, the car company sees a future where vehicles will drive by themselves, Discovery News reported.

It works using a combination of existing technology such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, rolling them all into one comprehensive function.

In the semi-automatic driving mode, the system maintains a safe distance to the vehicle ahead, drives at a speed selected by the driver, reduces this speed as necessary before a bend and maintains the vehicle's central position with respect to lane markers.

The system also observes overtaking rules and speed limits. Additionally, stop and start driving manoeuvres in traffic jams are also automated.

The technology is based on a relatively production-like sensor platform, consisting of production-level radar-, camera- and ultrasonic-based sensors supplemented by a laser scanner and an electronic horizon.

This means a production version within the next couple of years could be possible. (ANI)