Emerging Technology Trends #2

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity".

                                                                                                                       - Albert Einstein

We are here with the continuation of the series "Emerging Technology Trends". Let's take a look what's the next future technology is about.

SELF DRIVING CARS

Self driving cars, also known as Autonomous cars or Driver-less cars, is a future technology car which uses sensors, cameras, radars and most importantly Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive the car through the specified route without driver or any human operator. These cars use neural networks to identify traffic lights, trees, pedestrians, and other parts of environmental obstacles. Neural networks identifies this obstacles as patterns and transfers this data to the processors using deep-learning algorithms in AI software and manipulates these algorithms to move the car accordingly. 

Many companies are developing and testing autonomous cars on different parts of countries. Companies like Google, Audi, BMW, Ford, Volkswagen, Volvo, Tesla, General Motors etc. are involved in this emerging technology. Google's self driving car called "Waymo" is in testing stage. These are the following outlines from Google:

• Passenger has to set a destination first. After which the car's AI software calculates the distance and selects the route by itself. 
• Waymo uses rotating, roof mounted Light-Detection and Ranging technology (LiDAR) sensors which monitors 60m range around the car and creates 3D map of cars' surrounding environment.
• Left rear wheel of the self driving car has a sensor which detects cars' position relative to sideways movement.
• Front and rear bumpers have radar systems which calculates distance between obstacles and the car.
• Artificial Intelligence in the car is connected to all the sensors of the car and collects input data from Google Street View. Then it simulates human perceptual and decision making processes using deep learning algorithms and hence controls the driver control systems i.e. steering, brakes etc. This AI also makes notice of things like landmarks, traffics, signs and lights.
• An override function is available so that a human can take control of the vehicles if there is any interruptions.

SAFETY FEATURES TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN SELF DRIVING CARS.

1. Emergency Braking System: Emergency braking is a safety feature which is already available in all passenger cars. But it acts differently in autonomous cars. This system includes a warning alarm to alert the driver if there is a chance of collision. It uses sensors to judge the distance between surrounding objects and itself if there is a danger of collision. 

2. Lane Control: It is another safety feature which is to be implemented in these driver-less cars. The AI software in the car will warn you if you start drifting out of your lane. The cameras in the car are programmed to read the lane markings which will keep your car going on the right lane.

3. Cross-Car Communication: Another very important safety feature which is under development in Tesla cars that offers standard communication between Tesla cars for being a better driver. If one Tesla car encounters a hazard or poor traffic condition or accident, it transfers that information to other Tesla cars so that they can learn how to react if they encounter the same reaction. This interesting feature is tested with other companies as well. 

Experts say that once this self-driving cars are fully developed and integrated in transportation, it will save millions of dollars every year by decreasing road accidents thus decreasing road crashes costs of the country which is really huge every year. It will be easy for differently- abled people or people who cannot drive. But everything has a flaw. As these self driving cars are fully integrated within AI software hence there are chances of hacking risks or system being crashed. So this could cost more in maintaining the car. As of now these self driving cars are being tested in Germany and in many parts of US which includes California and New York. Well that's another challenge for the innovators as different countries have different traffic rules, maps, routes etc. But we are thinking about the Indian traffic rules now!! Will self driving cars be helpful in India? What do you think? Do let us know more about this self driving cars in the comments section.

Thank you.