Much like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto is a useful tool that transforms your smartphone into an in-vehicle infotainment hub when out on the road. For the most part, the feature's utility is confined to when you're behind the wheel, with no official method for interacting with the purpose-built interface when away from your car.
Interestingly, there are several third-party applications that can brute-force Android Auto's dashboard directly onto any modern Android smartphone. This can be performed either through the use of a wired USB connection, or wirelessly using Wi-Fi Direct and other cord-free communication protocols.
Here's the lowdown on how to set up Android Auto without a motor vehicle serving as an intermediary, as well as why you might want to get such a system up and running to begin with.