Google, the popular web browser giant, announced it will begin testing prototypes of their auto self-driving cars on public roads this summer. The prototypes are based on the familiar bubble style designs as shown here.
Roughly 94% of automobile accidents are caused by human error per a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study. While humans are prone to making errors associated with handling a vehicle, the artificial intelligence guiding autonomous cars could be a challenge with identifying critical elements of the road-ways.
Google previously have been testing modified Lexus SUVs to conduct its research using auto self driving vehicle technologies. The SUVs have logged nearly 1.7 million miles of autonomous driving on test tracks and public roads with only 11 accidents since the start of the project six years ago. Google indicated they were not a fault in those 11 accidents.
In the next phase of testing and research, Google will investigate more of the scenarios the vehicles will face in different traffic situations. The Google cars will operate in a “neighborhood-friendly” environment and they’ll have a driver on board should manual operation be required. Testing the vehicles in a city environment and on public roads will provide a reliable study on the safety of these cars.
Even though Google isn’t a major car manufacturer, they will likely succeed in having enough automotive experience after their study is complete. Since Detroit isn’t looking at self driving cars in the near term, but European and Asian car manufacturers are currently doing research, Google has an edge for now with their deep pockets and resources. Google also has the passion to promote this project as they had done with their smartphones and other new technologies.
~ Bob Larson is a technologist, photo journalist, and Marketing Director for 50Plus Media Solutions.