Ever wondered what the future holds for the automobile, and will we actually like these changes? It’s difficult to say, but here is what you can expect in the near future.
Self-driving vehicles, also known as autonomous vehicles, are becoming a more and more talked about topic, but realistically it could have a major impact on our transportation network, leaving lots of questions to be answered.
Developers are designing self-driving cars for future retirement communities, while car makers like Mercedes advertise passive self-driving safety features. Ultimately self-driving cars can limit car accidents and traffic jams, and passengers will be able to use their time traveling more constructively. Experts predict that self-driving cars will be available by 2020.
Earlier this year KPMG LLP conducted a survey where they asked consumers if they would use Self driving vehicles, and they came up with these conclusions.
- Get it right, and consumers will pay for the technology.
- Acceleration time may not matter in the self-driving era.
- The growth in Self-driving mobility on demand services could mark the end of the two-car family.
Over the years technology used in cars has improved in leaps and bounds, with features like lane departure warning and self-parking, have all increased the safety and convenience of driving in our ever changing society. Further development has taken us to the next step with movement sensors and advanced GPS systems, so the obvious conclusion in this evolving cycle is a self-driving car.
The advantages of self-driving cars are abundant, sensors can monitor outside movement much more effectively than your average driver, and therefore it can make more accurate decisions in critical, life threatening situations. This could drastically reduce the death rates on our roads and allow for traffic to flow more smoothly.
Self-driving cars are fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and not just engine throttle systems. Some new features include a detailed mapping of programmed travel routes, Hi-tech sensors and an extremely sophisticated operating computer control system. These features are used to analyse operating-travelling variables that are encountered and to properly control the vehicles steering, braking and acceleration in the best manner possible.
Despite these impressive improvements in technology, there will always be the risk of a component malfunction or failure, which could prove to be fatal. Self-driving cars are thoroughly tested for all possible scenarios, for example the advanced GPS computer system is designed to manage most driving variables, like road obstacles and pedestrians, but traveling conditions my develop where the automation system might not be equipped to handle properly, like flooded roads or black ice.
Check out this video of a 2 seated prototype that Google brought out and tested:
Whether you are stuck in the past or deep into the future, be sure to visit www.AutoMart.co.za for a good deal in your area.
