Self-Driving Cars: Fact or Fiction
With technology evolving quite rapidly, the role of science cannot be ignored which is helping us experience a whole new world of comfort: autonomous cars being one among them…
Technology
With technology evolving quite rapidly, the role of science cannot be ignored which is helping us experience a whole new world of comfort. And the latest advancement is in transportation in the form of self-driving or autonomous cars. What was once considered unreasonable or impossible by many is soon becoming a reality. For sure, self-driving cars are fast changing gears from science fiction to reality?
With companies like Tesla, Google, Nissan, and Ford already coming into the fray with their dedicated platforms and technology to develop self-driving cars, it wouldn’t be long before we have to just strap up, sit back and relax!
How do Autonomous Cars work?
Most of the cars available in the market today are partially autonomous with features like hands-free parking, self-braking systems, GPS assistance, etc. But since they have limited software capabilities, they require human intervention to make certain decisions. However it is not the case with self-driving car as several systems (mentioned below) work in tandem with each other to control a driverless car.
Sensors
There are a number of hi-tech sensors available today which make self-driving cars a reality. Sensors for forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, radar, camera, LIDAR, and ultrasonic all of them come together to form an eye of the vehicle and make self-driving car possible.
Self-driving cars use cloud computing to know about adjacent cars, traffic data, maps, weather, surface conditions, etc. This helps them to monitor their surroundings better and make informed decisions. However internet connectivity is a must for the self-driving cars all-the-time even though computing hardware can solve small computing tasks locally.
The main function of the software algorithms is that all the data collected by the car from the sensors (eye) and connectivity (ears) needs to be analyzed in no time to determine the best course of action. It is necessary for self-driving cars to make quick decisions without any error, otherwise it can be disastrous.
Software algorithms is supposed to seize and integrate all the data from sensors and connectivity tools to make correct decisions on when to speed-up, turn, brake, and map a route for guidance.
Technology
But the biggest invention in technology for the self-driving cars has come in the form of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system. This technology works by sending light pulses that reflect off objects. This helps it to create a 3D image of the vehicle’s surroundings which include the size, shape and distance of the objects.
Likewise, in order to know if these objects are still or moving deterrents, a radar is used. This complex radar, like LiDAR, sends out sound waves that bounce off objects around the car and anything in its trail. Simultaneously it also gauges the objects in which way it is moving along with their range and speed. And to know what’s happening on the road like street signs, traffic lights, etc., self-driving cars use a high-definition video camera. It also helps the computer in knowing movable obstacles like pedestrians, bicyclists, or any other obstacles.
Finally, a simple GPS is used for navigation, helping in reaching the destination accurately. Scientists say that the data collected from the hardware is more reliable than what people or humans can collect with their primitive senses, and is not affected by the driver’s fatigue.
Strictly speaking, it is the processing that makes these self-driving cars special and not the way they gather the information. The computer processes the real-time inputs from the laser scanner, radar, and video camera, which is then combined with mapping and navigational data from the GPS to control vehicle’s steering wheel and pedals. It makes these decisions by relying on algorithms based on complex mathematical models.
Precision
According to studies, human error is seen behind 93% of the accidents that take place on the roads. And self-driven cars can be the answer to bringing down collisions and accidents. Inventions like these can bring down healthcare costs and also reduce the overall stress on emergency response teams.
The two major companies – Google and Tesla – have taken a leap in the development of autonomous cars. Google is using LiDAR to develop cars that will have no foot pedals or a steering wheel, while Tesla on the other hand is using Autopilot – a software that uses advanced camera sensors acting as the car’s eye.
With evolving technology likely to make autonomous cars a reality soon, at present these cars are made legal only in the US and few other countries. Finally it is how such vehicles interact with other objects and persons will see its acceptability in many more countries.
–Manoj Mahanta
Team, ScienceNow Digital
