Autonomous Cars Can Be Trusted

Every year, automotive manufacturers push the envelope of vehicle autonomy. However, the general public climate toward these vehicles has been cloudy and divided

The comments section of many articles centered on this topic are filled with phrases such as ‘precursor to robot tanks,’ ‘a danger to our roadways,’ and other phrases slamming artificial intelligence. Despite some extremist language, many of these concerns are warranted.

Any flaw in the programming of autonomous vehicles could be fatal, so it is understandable why there are so many naysayers and cynics drowning out the potential positivity of these pioneering vehicles. As with any new technology, errors are inevitable, and few people want to be the first to commit to this new form of transportation.

Still, I predict that within 40 years, autonomous vehicles will become the norm, and most safety concerns will become a thing of the past. After all, the first airplanes, space shuttles, and cars all went through the same uncertain trial period.

I’m not the only person who believes in the future acceptance of autonomous vehicles. About two years ago, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IEEE) predicted that autonomous vehicles would account for 75 percent of cars on the road by 2040.

Many car (and non-car) manufacturers aren’t shying away from this challenge. GM, Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, and even Google are among a handful of automotive and software companies trying to prove that mass production of these vehicles is feasible and safe.

Audi, in particular, seems to be on a quest to audaciously prove that its self-driving prototype is safe and capable of doing everything a human driver could do – and more.

Last year, the company sent its RS 7 to Germany’s Hockenheimring race track, where it reached speeds up to 150 mph. In 2010, the company revealed that its Autonomous TTS research car completed a 12.42-mile Pike’s Peak drive in 27 minutes.

Now, it appears that Audi is at it again. This week, Audi’s A7 autonomous vehicle drove 550 miles from San Francisco to Las Vegas to attend the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The self-driving car, nicknamed Jack, can initiate lane changes, accelerate up to 70 mph, and brake autonomously; however, its system is still unable to negotiate urban traffic, in which case a human driver will take over control of the car.

Multiple cameras, an assortment of sensors, including mid- and long-rang radar, and a laser scanner in the grill are a few of the technologies built into the A7. Moreover, GPS data orients the vehicle.

In the event that a human driver needs to take over, the car’s system will alert the driver with flashing LEDS at the base of the windshield, in addition to an audio tone and message on the central information display. If the driver does not respond, the system will turn the hazard lights on and pull over. These limitations mean that the A7 is not fully autonomous, yet is suitable for long distance trips, primarily on highways and freeways.

The ethics and societal implications of autonomous cars have been discussed time and time again, but as new technology emerges, I believe it is critical to maintain an ongoing discussion with regard to the practicality and safety of the vehicles.

What do you believe is the future of the A7 and other autonomous vehicles? Will you ever put your full trust in the computer system of an autonomous vehicle? Share your thoughts by commenting below, tweeting me @kaylieannduffy, or at Kaylie.Duffy@advantagemedia.com.