Have you heard of any recent development in the field of automobiles? I'm sure you've read or heard about self driving cars before so we'll focus on that. What are self driving cars anyway and how do they work? Are they safe? Are they currently being used already?
How it Works
Self driving cars work by its use of sensors and software to sense objects like pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, and more. The software works by classifying objects based on their size, shape, and movement pattern. It then predicts what all the objects around it might do next. In doing so, the car navigates its way around these objects and people on the road. Automated cars can also navigate through many complicated scenarios on the street.
How it All Started
The idea started as early as 1939. It was the New York World’s Fair where visitors were presented a vision of automated highways. In the mid 2000s, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency organized the Grand Challenges where teams gathered to compete with self-driving vehicles. Finally, in 2009, Google started the self-driving car project which leads us to where we are today.
Who Can Benefit
Aging or visually impaired loved ones can now go around town or the city without worry. Also, the hassles of commuting will be lessened. Hence, time spent commuting could be turned to time spent doing what you want and need to do. Accidents from automobile crashes could be reduced dramatically too as human errors are usually the culprit.
Self Driving Cars Today
Google Self Driving Cars are currently already out on the streets of Mountain View, CA, Austin, TX, Kirkland, WA and Metro Phoenix, AZ. Starting later this month, Uber will allow customers in Pittsburgh to book a ride using self-driving cars from their phones too. Uber’s Pittsburgh fleet, which will be supervised by humans in the driver’s seat for the time being, consists of specially modified Volvo XC90 sport-utility vehicles outfitted with dozens of sensors that use cameras, lasers, radar, and GPS receivers.
