Audi Light Pathfinders, the drones that light up the surroundings instead of traditional headlights

The Audi AI:TRAIL quattro prototype previews future solutions for off-road vehicles

Among the novelties of the Frankfurt Motor Show still underway in the German city, the brand’s proposal for the future of off-roaders is, to say the least, unusual.

The prototype unveiled at the event for the manufacturer, the Audi AI:TRAIL, is a vehicle capable of travelling on paved roads, driving at up to Level 4 autonomous driving, and, at the same time, moving off-road with full capability thanks to an architecture and traction worthy of a rescue vehicle.

Be that as it may, in addition to its four independent motors, powered exclusively by electricity, the Audi AI:TRAIL presents innovative solutions for those seeking vehicles with which to find and experience strong emotions.

Off-road practitioners and enthusiasts know full well that, to get out of a difficult situation, one of the determining factors is visibility of the surroundings where the situation takes place.

Rather than relying on traditional headlights or the additional lighting that is often fitted after assembly on the production line of off-roaders, the Audi AI:TRAIL does without the lighting equipment or light optics we have typically understood.

Audi Light Pathfinders: flying headlights

By Audi Light Pathfinders we mean a set of five triangular drones that have no rotors and carry matrix LED elements, able to take off and land on the vehicle where the energy charging points are located.

https://youtu.be/7wmdoye9iDQ?t=97

These devices fly because they can ascend and descend without rotors, achieving movement through airflow similar to that of bladeless fans, which allows these flying headlights to use very little electrical energy.

In this way they can advance even ahead of the prototype’s path, flank its limits or cover the rear, making it possible to illuminate any area that is compromised by lack of light, so that, thanks to the Audi Light Pathfinders, nothing will be left in darkness.

Their flight can be controlled in two ways.

By default, the flying headlights of the Audi AI:TRAIL are managed automatically by the car and they fly in pairs according to the scouting and processing of information carried out by this off-roader.

On the other hand, these light drones are not only designed to be used while the car is being driven, but it is also possible to do so at the will of its occupants. For example, as exterior lighting for the car during a night camping trip.

The users of this prototype could control the lighting provided by the Audi Light Pathfinders set through a smartphone application that would connect to the drones and configure their activity according to their needs or tastes.