Originally Posted by
genec
Define "a very long time into the future..."
Remember this whole thread is based on the fact that such vehicles ARE being tested right now, in all driving conditions.
The interesting thing about the vision systems is that they ARE available right now on certain car models, such as Lexus, Audi, Cadillac, and Toyota Land Cruiser... and they will alert the driver to the potential of a collision.
A very long time in the future is ambiguous on purpose - robot cars need to be better than alert drivers in ALL situations, no exceptions. That's a demanding requirement and far from the current capabilities described in the OP's link to the Google story.
Originally Posted by
UnsafeAlpine
It takes the average person about 215 milliseconds to react to something. Computers can react much faster. If future cars are programed to sense pedestrians, cyclists, dogs, whatever, they will have faster reaction times than the average human. It seems to me like computer controlled cars would be safer in city driving.
It's not just an issue of reaction time, it's an issue of making the right decision at the same or higher rate than an alert driver. Poor decisions will lead either to accidents or to unacceptable slow downs for "threats" that aren't really a threat to an alert driver.
Originally Posted by
kludgefudge
Maybe so, I can't say I'm against the idea, its really to early on to say. Still, I think it would work best if all the cars were totally computer guided, and That isn't going to happen over night. I think the first place we are likely to see full automation accepted is on designated freeways, and gradually expanding to include all roadways as human controlled motor vehicles become obsolete and the technology becomes more advanced.
While that might be true, refusing to permit a person to drive a car will probably run into some big problems on the basis of individual freedoms. Think of it this way, let's say an automated vehicle system would work very well and cut the energy use in the nation by an absurd level while also reducing traffic accidents significantly. But, let's say the condition for that great improvement is that no one is allowed to ride a bike any longer because it will hose the system....