Are We Any Closer To Getting A Driverless Car?
The idea of
driverless cars has more than just captured my attention; I’ve become somewhat
obsessed with the potential driverless cars will present to us all. Children born today may never need to suffer
through, or experience the excitement of learning how to drive. Roadways will be safer, and as a result,
insurance rates should go down. All
indications point to an exciting future made possible by driverless technology.
In his brief
article, Andrew Hawkins discusses Ford Motor Company’s introduction of the
Velodyne 830 gram (1.83 pound) Ultra Puck; a LiDAR sensor that will enhance the
3D mapping capability of Ford cars. This
new sensor will integrate with software that will make driverless Ford vehicles
safer and more reliable.
Opponents of
driverless cars often site the limited technology saying it can’t possibly be
as good a human; though driving instructors will often cite vehicle blind-spots
as a leading factor in auto accidents.
By giving attention to the placement of these sensors, Ford has been
able to reduce the number of sensors necessary from 4 to only 2. With a targeted field of view, it’s likely
these sensors will eliminate the blind-spot.
Additionally, Ford estimates the Ultra Puck will extend range by 200
meters.
With this new
introduction, Ford also announced plans to increase its fleet of autonomous
vehicles. As if we needed more proof, it’s
clear Automakers are clearly making a push for the driverless car. In my humble opinion, this can happen none
too soon.
References
Hawkins, Andrew.
(1/5/16), Ford Says This Sensor Will Make Its Driverless Cars the Most
Advanced in the World. The ‘Ultra Puck’
Will Help with Real-Time, 3D Mapping. The
Verge. Retrieved 3/27/16: http://www.theverge.com/2016/1/5/10717040/ford-driverless-car-velodyne-ultra-puck-lidar-ces-2016
