Self driving vehicles have been a mere idea that was nothing more than a science fiction fantasy just a couple of decades ago, but has assumed a very real form thanks to Google’s technological push over the last few years. Google, a company which prides itself on always pushing innovative boundaries, has been working on a fully autonomous vehicle for the better part of the last decade. Their efforts are finally being reflected in the introduction of the fully autonomous vehicle.
While Google’s self driving vehicles are only now being spoken about in greater detail, this is technology Google has been engaged in researching for a while. The secret project was in fact spotted as far back as 2009 on roads by several drivers who notes a small vehicle with cameras mounted to the roof, navigating smoothly along California highways. It wasn’t until late in 2010 that Google actually revealed the existence of the self driving vehicle on its official blog.
As their reasons for engaging in this undoubtedly costly experiment, Google sited their undying intent to use technology to solve problems using growing technology. Google’s CEO noted that the company hoped that autonomous vehicles would help drastically cut down on all types of driving accidents. Of course, it is worth mentioning that the company also aims to free up more time in the day for people who could spend their time on the road engaged by something other than focusing on driving. Additionally, Google seeks to cut down carbon emissions by utilizing technology which would allow for maximum road efficiency.
The first big step of course was to convince local authorities to allow for automated vehicles to be road tested, which Google accomplished by assuring them that specially trained drivers were always present during these tests and could take over control of the vehicle with great ease at any time.
More recently, Google was able to showcase the new technology in Nevada where they, with a required pair of testers in each vehicle, was able to form a lasting impression. This resulted in Nevada issuing the state’s first official license to self-automated vehicles. As this technology grows to be more well known and accepted, more places will likely begin to allow for automated vehicles on their roads.
Google has certainly pioneered this new technology, but they are not the only ones who are making strides. Ford recently announced that self driving vehicles are anticipated to be on the roads by 2025. Ford has also noted that they expect certain models to be equipped with self driving technology within five years. The technology is known as “Traffic Jam Assist” which will, with help of radar and multiple cameras, allow the driver to release control of the vehicle in heavy traffic, at which point the vehicle will move at any pace necessary to steer safely through the back up. The vehicle would then return control back to the driver when the traffic flow begins to pick up. Like Google, Ford has also stated that they aim to reduce vehicular fatalities by drastically cutting down on potential driver error. When in auto-pilot, the vehicle assumes full control, using all the sensory and video equipment to flow smoothly through road congestion.
This article was written by Karl Stockton for the team at iSeeCars.com.