By Lois Avery
Google has developed a self driving car that could revolutionise how we travel and how car insurance is calculated, it has been revealed.
Sebastian Thrun, the researcher in charge of the project, spoke about Google’s development in a blog post this week.
He said the new self-driving car was in early experimental stages but confirmed that the vehicle is a ‘first in robotics research’ and has already been road tested for over 140,000 miles.
The automated car uses video cameras, radar sensors and a laser range finder to see other traffic, as well as detailed maps to navigate the road ahead.
The development of a self-driving car has caused concern among some motoring groups, although Google say safety has been paramount throughout the testing of their hands free car.
Thrun said: “Our cars are never unmanned. We always have a trained safety driver behind the wheel who can take over as easily as one disengages cruise control. And we also have a trained software operator in the passenger seat to monitor the software.
The testing process starts by sending out a driver in a conventionally driven car to map the route and road conditions. By mapping features like lane markers and traffic signs, the software in the car becomes familiar with the environment and its characteristics in advance. Google also briefs local police before taking to the roads.
As well as being ‘confident’ that self-driving cars will significantly reduce car usage by promoting car sharing – something that could have a positive effect on the environment – Thrun says the technology could cut the number of road traffic accidents and reduce the amount of deaths on the road.
“According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.2 million lives are lost every year in road traffic accidents. We believe our technology has the potential to cut that number, perhaps by as much as half.
“While this project is very much in the experimental stage, it provides a glimpse of what transportation might look like in the future thanks to advanced computer science. And that future is very exciting.”
