SELF DRIVING CARSRACHEL PORTER

THE FUTURE OF DRIVING

How they work: a self driving car uses a combination of sensors and software to locate itself in the real world then radar, lasers, and cameras take over to monitor the

car’s surroundings.

The software can recognize other objects, people, cars, obey traffic lights and signs,

and navigate around obstacles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqSDWoAhvLU

CURRENT OBSTACLES

Self driving cars can’t drive through all road conditions

Google car can only go 25 mph

Sensors can detect objects, but can’t necessarily distinguish between them

BENEFITS:

Save lives: more than 33,000 people in the U.S. die each year from car wrecks. Of which, roughly 40 percent are caused by

alcohol, distraction, drugs, or fatigue.

More people will be able to drive: anyone under 16, the

elderly, and the disabled.

Reduce commute time. Vehicles could regulate speeds and

even park itself.

Self driving cars have electric motors and get more miles to

the gallon. This is better for the environment and can help

drivers can save on fuel expenses.

DRAWBACKS:

Job displacement. The United States has roughly 233,000 taxi drivers and

chauffeurs and 1.7 million truck drivers. Many of these jobs could be

replaced by self-driving cars.

Legal challenges. Even if self-driving vehicles are safer, they'll likely never

be crash free. What happens when they do crash? Who would be at

fault?

Cost. The 3-D sensors alone on Google's car cost about $70,000. By one

estimate, the first wave of vehicles could cost over $100,000. This would come down over time, but at what rate?

BUSINESS IMPACT

Sector shift. Will we need truck drivers and taxis when companies could use self

driving cars rather than hiring people?

Privacy. Capable of tracking and storing everywhere you go and accident reports.

WOULD YOU WANT ONE?

RESOURCES:

http://www.vox.com/2014/5/28/5756736/the-case-for-self-driving-cars

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqSDWoAhvLU

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/530276/hidden-obstacles-for-googles-self-

driving-cars/