Self-Driving Cars Are Closer Than You Think

Jack Barton | 2014-06-21 04:24:31

Many individuals are limited by their ability to get around, whether this is due to a lack of licence, a medical condition or fear. Google, the search engine giant and technological innovators, set about solving this problem, in typical Google fashion designers proposed an adventurous idea, a car that drives itself, no steering wheel, no pedals, just a start and stop button are needed to control the car.

Avoiding excessive media coverage the self-driving car concept is being realised with a fully functional working prototype currently undergoing testing. The bubble shaped vehicle currently has a maximum speed of 25mph whilst undergoing safety testing however designers have proposed that it may reach speeds of 100mph after passing initial testing.

Furthering the appeal of the concept designers have incorporated a foam bumper and flexible windscreen to increase safety of participants and reduce the potential for injury during collision. For navigation laser and radar sensors in relation to camera data and of course will utilise Google road maps to get passengers to their desired destination.

Such a technology, if deemed safe, provides opportunity for greater independence for all whilst having the potential to reduce road collisions and accidents caused by driver error. Not to mention displaying a great reduction in congestion.

Google plan to roll a fleet of the cars out in Detroit, America, initially in order to assess feasibility and expect to have models on the roads within the next year!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqSDWoAhvLU

Jack Barton (Researcher, Rescon Ltd)

Links
http://mashable.com/2014/05/27/google-self-driving-car/?utm_cid=mash-com-Tw-main-link

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-27587558