At some point everyday I see a Tesla drive by and I get so confused why the appeal exists. Why are people obsessed with self-driving cars?? I didn’t understand so I took myself to the internet to do some research.
I currently drive a Ford Escape that has Park Assist but I’ve been too afraid to try it out! However, this feature is becoming more and more common in lots of cars nowadays! The same goes for blind spot technology, lane staying assistance, and forward collision prevention.
The three technologies that make self driving cars possible are connectivity, sensors, and software algorithms. Sensors are used to monitor the advanced safety features I mentioned above. They can also be found in the cameras all around the car too that help to keep the car navigating safely.
In terms of connectivity, the way I interpreted it is basically like how our phones get updated regularly to the newest software. In this case, with cars, the connectivity is updating the traffic information, construction, weather, and other conditions that would affect the car’s driving ability.
By far the most important of the three technologies is the software algorithm in place that makes all the driving decisions. The software in the car must be robust enough to reliably gather data that can help to choose how and when to brake, accelerate, and choose a proper route.
There is a difference between how Tesla’s drive and how Google’s cars drive. Tesla enforces an Autopilot system that uses high-tech cameras as the eyes to self-drive. Google on the other hand, uses radar technology with light and implementing no steering wheels or foot pedals.
The craziest part of it all is that self-driving cars aren’t legal in all 50 states! Only certain states allow for them and NJ is one of them! The main concern is safety and how to regulate the interaction between human and car.
It’s so interesting how the car industry and technology are advancing. But it’s also terrifying. Who would have thought that we would be in a world that doesn’t need drivers to be in a car! My long term goal in life was always to have a driver so I would never have to drive myself…well I guess the time has come earlier than I thought!! Crazy!!
I know this is a different way of looking at science and more of an engineering direction but STEM does mean science, technology, engineering and math!
Hope you liked it!
Xoxo, Z
