Thought I would start a thread on this, we are all being told that Self-Driving Vehicles are going to be the future, I'm not exactly for it or against it but it interests me and I would like to keep an eye on the it's progress.
There have been some accidents already, most of them seem to be down to the humans driving into the self-driving vehicles rather than the self-driving vehicles crashing of their own accord.
First signs seem to be that they are fine at driving until something out of the ordinary happens then they struggle to get out of trouble.
Of course this can be improved but as things stand now I think they still have a way to go.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5ZjlaeDvbU
I have a cousin that had a stroke and lost her peripheral vision so she is unable to get a license to drive, it has been about 5 years but she still has 2 cars at her house. She has a condo in Florida and has been living there for the past 2 years. She was interested in the self driving cars.
Carl2
A self driving car would be perfect for her, I think it's a great idea to give some people back their freedom and mobility.
The city helps with transportation to and from doctors appointment, it has to be called in a few days in advance, I'm not sure if that includes shopping trips but there is some transportation for elderly people to go grocery shopping. I've been seeing the ads for self parking cars which seems to be where the self driving started from.
Carl2
Interesting that now they are talking about airplanes flying around without a pilot. Seems like it will be a while but the gears are in motion.
Carl2
I don't know if any of you guys heard about it but there has been a death caused by a self driving car. As we mentioned early on in this thread it does seem that the technology still has a way to go.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGmPF0YgAsk
Yes we had been discussing it a little on Dreams. The worst set-back they could possibly have really.
Hmm! I agree with level 5 autonomy before full rollout but as for crossing roads at designated crossing points, I don't see that as workable in all cases. Even in town, I abuse this all the time.
I still can't see how the tech can anticipate the intensions of other humans. If I see a pedestrian engrossed in their phone and about to cross, I'm slowing and hovering over the brake until I get eye contact. As for other drivers changing their minds depending on lights changing etc. and making dodgy manoeuvres without indicating...
But level 5 driving without being distracted by phone/radio/short dresses/passengers/intoxication/sleepy (+more) I see as positives.