Google Introduces a Self- Driving Robot Car

Google Introduces a Self- Driving Robot

CarBy: Lisa CramolineOctober 12, 2010

What Kind of Car Has Google Been Using?

Toyota Priuses and Audi TT

Hired more than a dozen people with spotless driving records (paying $15/hour)

What Does the Car Look Like?

How it Works?Uses artificial technology intelligence and makes decisions on its own (if mistake is made it will alert driver)

Motors: turn wheel, break, accelerate, etc.

Sensors: not as good as a human so put more

Sensors are fed to an onboard computer

Self Driving Car!Already sent out vehicles across California (over 140,000 miles through traffic, residential, and highway)

Trying to find green alternatives

Double capacity of roads

Cars will be built lighter reducing carbon and gas costs

Mass Production?

Years from mass production

But technologist are sure the idea will revolutionize the world

Under current law “a human must be in control of a car at all times.”

Are They Better than Regular Cars?

React faster than humans

360 degree perception

Cannot get distracted, sleepy, or intoxicated

Actively engage the driver (announcements like “approaching a crosswalk” or “turn ahead”)

Driver could regain power by hitting a red button on dashboard, touching the break, or turning the steering wheel

OpinionsSome components already available in some cars (automatic slow down and radar)

“Creepy. How will average consumers, let alone google conspiracy theorist feel about it?”

“Actually, I think it is a great idea once the technology is perfected and locked down. Sure we can't imagine something like it now, but think off into the future.”

Video!!

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2010/10/09/science/1248069147736/look-ma-no-hands.html

References

http://asiabizz.com/3746/google-develops-a-new-self-driven-robot-car/

http://inhabitat.com/2010/10/10/google-has-developed-a-self-driving-car-and-it-works/

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/personaltechnology/2013131882_webstuff12.html

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2010/10/09/science/1248069147736/look-ma-no-hands.html