Watch Google’s self-driving Toyota Prius in action
Now this is a game-changer
In my opinion the problem with the automobile isn’t the fact that it doesn’t plug-in, it’s the fact that there are too many automobiles built too inefficiently with far too many natural resources. Yet, in the next few decades, the world’s automotive fleet is expected to triple. Is that really sustainable, regardless of the fuel source?
Thus, I think something like auto-drive opens up the possibility for entirely new business models for car ownership, rentals, size, powertrains, etc., and the technology is far closer than many might believe.
Don’t believe it? Here’s a small clip of one of Google’s self-driving Toyota Prius hybrid cars.
Source: InsideLine
This is way better than a brick & mroatr establishment.
Interesting angle, KP.
Technology is creating a whole new world, but is it a better world? Look at Gen Y, they barely need to interact with the real world. Facebook, Playstation Network, etc. enable them to live almost electronically, and I can easily envision automated driving fitting them perfectly. Yet, it’s almost like creating our own Matrix. Is this really the direction we want to go as a species?
Yet, is such a singularity inevitable? Crazy.
Detroit is still about hype. In the long run, its value that sells. Toyota has proven that. Honda has as well. Quality build, fuel efficiency, durability, and modest comfort delivered at a fair price over the life of the vehicle helps you sell a man several cars during his lifetime as opposed to the shiny one currently on the showroom floor and every other ad on tv.
Automated driving takes people out of the equation, as does factory automation, which is why I think you’ll start seeing a trend away from automation in areas like this. People need to work and people need to be active. Spending more money and time putting people out of useful roles will get less and less popular as unemployment increases and resentment of large corporations grows.
Actually, KP, there was a survey published last week that said 50 percent of Americans would like self-driving cars. Despite the fact I’m a believer, I found that number shocking. Additionally, much of this technology is already quickly moving into vehicles. Automotive supplier Continental, for example, sees this as the key to safety for future autos, as do a number of automakers.
And in terms of the telematics needed for such a system, last week Bill Ford claimed this would be one of the most significant future technologies in the auto industry.
Don’t get me going on the Prius V, though. Got another post on that coming later today.
I think self-driving cars are a solution looking for a problem. People don’t trust hybrid technology to make a car more efficient. Are they really going to trust the car to drive itself?
Furthermore, if the Prius V won’t have 3rd row seating in the U.S. due to safety and lawsuit concerns, do self-driving cars stand a snowball’s chance in hell?
I’d rather see them researching more practical improvements, but I’m sure the availability of Defense Department grants for autonomous navigation subsidize these ventures …