Few will question that the future of motoring is autonomous. The Governments are currently investing millions into trialling and developing driverless tech while carmakers are busy building cars that gradually take over the task of driving.
There are four key stages of the technology on the autonomy roadmap – often referred to as feet off, hands off, eyes off, brain off – with landmarks of when assisted driving will be usurped by automated driving. Right now, we’re at the very start of the journey, but what will happen in the near future?
Seems that whithin this year there will be the Assisted Driving.
Some cars like the Volvo S90 have low-speed driving assistance systems that drive the car under 30mph and control steering, acceleration and braking at up to 80mph. However, the driver must keep their hands lightly on the steering wheel at all times to continue.
In two years, on 2018 we will have the Hands-off self driving cars.
Drivers will remain responsible, though, and will still be expected to take control in case of unexpected circumstances or if the technology fails. They will be able to take their hands off the wheel for around three minutes at a time, but after that the system will warn them to place their hands back on the wheel. If this doesn’t happen, the system will cut out and the car will manoeuvre safely to a stop.
In a while we will be in 2022 when automated driving will be a sensible topic.
There will be pre-defined sections of motorways where the car is able to take complete control and allow drivers to carry out other tasks like reading a book. The car will use a raft of sensors, including radars, cameras and lasers, to build a picture of the road environment ahead. It’ll be able to safely steer, brake and accelerate on its own. When off the motorway, these cars will be fitted with very advanced assistance systems to aid drivers when they are in control.
Looking forward to 2027 we may have the fully autonomous cars.
Experts suggest that by around 10 years from now, a car will be able to drive itself fully from door to door without a driver needing to touch the wheel. This will include driving on motorways and in city environments that feature traffic lights, junctions and roundabouts. Cars will be connected wirelessly to each other and communicate with the road infrastructure to make decisions on traffic and journey times. It’s likely a steering wheel will still be present, however. Beyond 2025, it’s feasible we could see the first vehicle with no option for a driver to take control at all.
Moreover, futurologists are paining new scenario: cars will be able, with AI, to suggest us restaurant where to stop, predict issues with the vehicle, record our behaviour while we are using them.
Obviously, we will need new regulations, a brand new understanding of big data, different assets on the motorways and at least new rules for car insurance, a business at risk with this new technology.
Anyway, innovation is here, and it is in automotive too. It won’t be long.
What is your opinion on this? Are you confident on a driveless car, right now?
Driveless Car – Futurologists and innovators, looking forward
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