Datum 2014
Driverless cars
C
THE DRIVERLESS REVOLUTION
urrently, the autonomous cars are fitted with
RADAR
cameras, lasers and sensors. A laser range
finder is, conspicuously, fitted to the roof of
keep track of nearby objects, including other cars. This
the car: it generates a highly detailed 3D map
technology is already used in cars equipped with intel-
of the surrounding area, aided by GPS, an inertial mea-
Sensors mounted on the front and rear bumpers
ligent cruise control.
surement unit, and a wheel encoder.
COMPUTER
There is a camera near the rear view window that
spots traffic lights sufficiently far in advance, and both
front and rear bumpers have radars on them to aid the
work of the laser. This technology allows the driverless
cars to follow speed limits and navigate the best possible
route to its destination. The technology costs between
$75,000 and $85,000 per vehicle – more than the vehicle
itself.
A major problem is the technology is ahead of
the law. Most federal and state automobile laws in the
US assume a human operator. These need to be repealed
before the technology can be commercialised.
the car’s central computer. Here the data is analysed, and
Getting rid of the driver
Cars that drive themselves will improve road
safety; the vehicles will react to hazards faster than
Information from the various sensors is fed into
steering, acceleration and brakes adjusted accordingly.
Importantly, the computer needs to understand not only
traffic laws, but also the unspoken assumptions of road
users.
humans and so potentially save lives Technology is at
its best when it makes people’s lives better. We’re us-
POSITION ESTIMATOR
ing advanced computer science to try and make driving
safer and more enjoyable.
monitors the car’s movements and uses the information
HOW A SELF-DRIVING CAR WORKS
LIDAR
An ultrasonic sensor mounted on the rear wheel
to automatically update the vehicle’s position on the
map.
AERIAL
The most striking feature of the Google Car, the
A self-navigating car demands highly accurate
LIDAR (Light Ranging and Detection) is a rotating camera
positioning data. Information from GPS satellites is com-
that sends out lasers. It uses the reflected light to build
bined with readings from the car’s on-board instruments
a 3D map of the car’s surroundings, up to a distance of
(i.e. tachometers, altimeters and gyroscopes) to make
200m.
sure the car knows exactly where it is.
CAMERA
Performing much the same function as a mildly
interested human motorist, the camera reads road signs,
SUSHMITHA SARON.D
B.Sc CT (G1)