Jaguar XJ goes head-to-head with top drone tech

Image via Motorpress

The development of advanced driver assistance systems with radar sensors and on board cameras is closely aligned to the development of technology in drones, which are now being used for everything from racing to autonomous parcel delivery. “Drones are becoming increasingly integrated into society and they can do some amazing things these days,” said Higgins, who is also a champion rally driver. “So when Jaguar offered up the XJ and all its technology to go up against one of the world’s top drone pilots, I jumped at the chance."

The challenge, which took place at the Zhuhai International Circuit in China, saw Higgins trying to shake off the drone through an industrialised zone containing shipping containers, wide tree-lined boulevards, pit garages and an underground car park. The XJ demonstrated agility and control with admirable performance during the challenge.

Technology is making waves in both the car and drone industries – with the drone pilot using autonomous circling and 360-degree camera searching and Higgins in the XJ, benefiting from electric power assisted steering that improves responsiveness and feedback as well systems that use sensors and four on board cameras.

“Technology in drones is developing fast, and like cars, the latest trend is for pilot assistance. The DJI Inspire 1 drone we used is more about precision and poise than outright pace. It has the best-in-class, stabilized Zenmuse X5 aerial camera aboard, as it is mainly used for filming, and was perfect for this challenge,” said drone pilot JaeHong Li.

“Technology plays a significant part in new Jaguar vehicles these days – from driver assistance systems to telematics and infotainment. This race was an entertaining way to showcase our current technology of 360-degree cameras and sensors on the XJ," says Jaguar spokesperson, Ian Hoban, vehicle line director.