![]() These algorithms can “learn” from the actions taken in previous situations and infer what to do in a new, similar situation. But how does the computer know which option is better? Programmers have developed algorithms that behave like the neurons in a brain. For example, if the lane is closed ahead due to construction, the computer will identify the options: it could either change lanes immediately or slow down to let the vehicles in the next lane pass first. Once the computer has determined which objects surround the car and how far away they are, it must decide how to act and then execute its decision. Other objects would be identified as cars, pedestrians, traffic lights or obstacles, accordingly. For example, these algorithms classify a bulky, fast-moving object with two wheels as a motorcycle, rather than a bicycle. Programmers have developed very smart algorithms that can be “trained” to identify objects’ in the car’s surroundings. Therefore, the computer takes in camera, LIDAR, radar and GPS data and determines the precise location of the car as well as the objects around it. This is not enough, however, to navigate along a busy street, to change lanes or to stop at a traffic light when necessary. By use of GPS, it initially has a rough idea of the route it must follow to get to a destination. The “brain” of a self-driving car is a powerful computer that often sits in the trunk and controls the car’s thoughts and actions. Once a self-driving car “sees” its surroundings, the cameras, LIDARs and radars all send the information they perceive to the “brain” of the car. Photo of human-driven car by Mick Tinbergen on Unsplash.) (Photo of Waymo self-driving car by Grendelkhan on Wikimedia Commons. Although radars can only see very fuzzily, they are great at detecting moving objects and are much cheaper than the other devices.įigure 2:A side-by-side comparison with a conventional, human-driven car illustrates where the components of a self-driving car are located. In addition to cameras and LIDARs, self-driving cars often have conventional radars. By measuring the travel time and location of the reflected laser light, it can discriminate the shape and location of surrounding objects. It sends invisible light pulses all around it. LIDAR (or “Light Detection and Ranging”) is a device with a constantly rotating laser beam. Fortunately, self-driving cars also have high-tech sensors, called LIDARs, that are much better at determining the location of people and objects around the car. While cameras are good for identifying shapes and colors in the environment, they are not helpful in finding the distance to an object. Cameras are installed on the roof and in other places around the car for 360º vision (Figure 2). High-tech devices take over each of these tasks.Ī self-driving car’s “sight” or perception is achieved via several mechanisms. Figure 1: Like a human driver, a self-driving car executes a cycle of perceiving the situation, thinking about it and performing an action depending on the assessment. ![]() These tasks are made possible by a network of high-tech devices such as cameras, computers and controllers. Essentially, a self-driving car needs to perform three actions to be able to replace a human driver: to perceive, to think and to act (Figure 1). The approach they are taking is similar across the board. The players in the self-driving car market are diverse: traditional car manufacturers like Nissan, Audi and Mercedes, and new companies such a Tesla, Google’s Waymo and Uber, are all competing to develop the first fully autonomous self-driving car. ![]() Is this a blessing or a curse? While there are safety and policy concerns that need to be addressed in the development phase, the benefits to road safety and quality of life will prevail in the long run. Given the current rate of technological development, the advent of self-driving cars is inevitable. But if our cars could drive us autonomously, we could spend the freed-up time in more pleasant or productive ways. It is, of course, not a safe idea to do any of these things if you had to navigate your car through the busy morning commuter traffic. Then you remember to call a friend who you have not spoken to in a while, or you have a look at the amazing photos from your latest vacation. Imagine getting into your car in the morning, sipping your coffee and sitting back to relax while your car drives you to work. ![]()
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