Posted 03.29.2012 at 12:09 pm
6 Comments
Blind Driving
via YouTube
Future self-driving cars could make traffic smoother and safer, among plenty of other potential benefits, but one thing you don’t hear much about — and should — is their utility for people with physical limitations. For example, Steve Mahan, who has lost 95 percent of his vision. He becomes Google Autonomous Car Driver #1 in the video past the jump.
We have been following Google’s autonomous cars for a while now, and the company claims to have completed more than 200,000 miles of computer-led, accident-free driving (except when humans have been involved). Google put Mahan behind the wheel to demonstrate how well the car works and how it can become a practical tool for driver independence, not just a cool toy.
As the Google rep in the passenger seat explains how the car uses radar and laser sensing, Mahan takes in the experience and uses the car to run some errands. It’s actually quite touching.
[via The Verge]
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That is really cool. I'm sure for anyone with a disability, this is certainly a positive direction. That is some crazy technology being used to handle all of those variables. It's amazing the track record Google has with their cars; truly a testament to their creator.
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In space, no one can hear a tree fall in the forest.
I cant wait until autonomous cars are integrated into our infrastructure. Computer error would be drastically lower than human error and would result in fewer car related fatalities. Long car rides would also be enjoyable.
Scenario: 5 million people driving in LA freeways in autonomous cars.
Action: Undetected 95% Ferric asteroid collides with atmosphere creating EMP Shock wave above the city.
Reaction: All cars lose kinetic energy due to engine failure at the same time.
Outcome: Everyone walks home safely.
A subtle thought that is in error may yet give rise to fruitful inquiry that can establish truths of great value.
-Isaac Asimov
This could potentially activate ahuge workforce . . . The Elderly.
Wow, Awesome this is perfect sutff :)
[img]http://i1069.photobucket.com/albums/u476/marry38382/xray.jpg[/img]