Article Review: Ford Says This Sensor Will Make its Driverless Cars the Most Advanced in the World - Andrew Hawkins, (1/5/16).

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