Google self-drive car

**Hugh** · 10-10-2010, 08:00

BBC

Quote:

Engineers at Google have tested a self-driving car on the streets of California, the company has announced.

The cars use video cameras mounted on the roof, radar sensors and a laser range finder to "see" other traffic, software engineer Sebastian Thrun said.

They remain manned at all times by a trained driver ready to take control as well as by a software expert.

Google hopes the cars can eventually help reduce road traffic and cut the number of accidents

A bit more detail from the NY Times.

colin25 · 10-10-2010, 08:47

I am not worried about the road worthiness of the technology. But imagine if we did rely on it..but that it could be over ruled by manual driver..some people are scary on the roads now..not sure I want to rely on other drivers, and have my car controlled automatically. Unless you could vary the settings

Setting 1, normal trusting mode. Fully optimise distances from cars, and presume other cars will do the same

Setting 2, hmmm..maybe setting 1 not a good idea, just seen some idiot playing about up front, autoscan distances, increase safe distances and warning settings

Setting 3.."make my day setting", initialise death ray, ..no one comes near me..and if they do..my car will retaliate. Warnings broadcast every 30 seconds

take a guess which setting I'll use

I am ambivalent to any other settings, not wedded to only 3

Derek · 10-10-2010, 10:17

I suppose google doing it isn't so bad. If it was facebook they would change the driving rules every few months without telling people.

Seriously though I'm surprised its taken this long for a company to make a serious go at self-driving cars.

haydnwalker · 10-10-2010, 10:59

My personal opinion is: Driving is there to be enjoyed.

I know some people see driving as a chore, and a system like this would suit those people, but it isn't really for me for the most part, however, it might be useful on a long motorway journey, it would help people be at their destinations without all of the tiredness of long distance driving.

Gary L · 10-10-2010, 11:07

Self drive cars will never become a reality on public roads I don't think. they'll only be a reality inside a companies own premises.

I don't think there's even any need for them. just drive the things. that's what the wheel was invented for.

Hom3r · 10-10-2010, 11:16

Self drive cars would be great if you went out for a meal and drink, then the car would drive you home.

They would be good for those that suddenly become ill while driving.

colin25 · 10-10-2010, 11:21

yup. I see a future, where no one drives the car..a glorified escalator, but with a definable destination

The enjoyment of driving, for driving sakes, yes..but..to take control out the idiots on the road will be tempting..to the detriment of losing the opportunity for those who are sensible

similar to the drinking scenario..where most of us are sensible drinkers..but the nob-heads who abuse it..means that minimum pricing must come in

On the bright side, you never will be able to complain about road rage, or women drivers

(or is that a woman driver..i am sure it is the same one..just that she enjoys driving, even badly

)

Hom3r · 10-10-2010, 11:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by colin25

On the bright side, you never will be able to complain about road rage, or women drivers

(or is that a woman driver..i am sure it is the same one..just that she enjoys driving, even badly

)

I hope you have asbestos underwear

colin25 · 10-10-2010, 11:33

Stuart · 10-10-2010, 12:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek

I suppose google doing it isn't so bad. If it was facebook they would change the driving rules every few months without telling people.

Google will just record everywhere every driver goes. Of course, they won't admit to doing this until someone catches them and will then claim it's a bug.

v0id · 10-10-2010, 14:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hom3r

Self drive cars would be great if you went out for a meal and drink, then the car would drive you home.

But you would still be 'drunk in charge of a motor vehicle'

colin25 · 10-10-2010, 14:16

the control element might be debatable..depending on how it develops. If it ends up being "no human input" except where to go..then no..But that is long off.

So at first, it isn't a drinkers charter, though, police might not see the erratic driving of a drunk

Flyboy · 10-10-2010, 17:31

The problem with self-driving cars is that ALL cars would need to be self-driving. A computer cannot take account of the human factors of other's driving.

Stuart · 10-10-2010, 18:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyboy

The problem with self-driving cars is that ALL cars would need to be self-driving. A computer cannot take account of the human factors of other's driving.

And that's assuming they don't crash. Sorry, the computer doing the driving I mean. Although if it did crash while controlling the car, it would add a whole new depth to the meanings of both crash and Blue Screen of Death.

Flyboy · 10-10-2010, 19:15

I wouldn't want to be the processing the insurance claim on that one.