Autonomous cars: a booming technology
Developments in technology are revolutionizing all sectors and the automotive industry is no exception. Research has already been advancing rapidly for several years with the aim of developing a self-driving car. Many car manufacturers have embarked on this adventure and some are already offering prototypes (notably Tesla, NIO, BMW, Mercedes, etc.).
By the way, what is an autonomous car?
An autonomous car is a vehicle capable of traveling on an open road without the intervention of a driver.
The term autonomous car is used as much to refer to a fully autonomous car as to a semi-autonomous car, that is to say equipped with various driving assistance systems or automated driving systems under surveillance of the driver.
Coming from the match between robotics and artificial intelligence, the objective of this development is to build vehicles that can circulate in traffic, in all situations, without human intervention.
How does an autonomous car work?
The operating model of a self-driving car is relatively straightforward as it relies on technology.
Indeed, the cars are equipped with laser sensors, radars and cameras which allow it to model the space in which it is located in 3D and thanks to the shape recognition it locates all the elements present in order to be able to guide itself in respecting the Highway Code.
All the data from these digital sensors are processed by artificial intelligence processors and programs and maneuvers and actions are performed by servo control on the various functions of the car such as braking, acceleration, stopping, etc.
The advantages of the autonomous car
It is certain that the advent of the autonomous car will constitute a major upheaval in consumption patterns. However, the autonomous car would be advantageous for people in several respects.
The development of autonomous vehicles will thus allow:
- Reduction of traffic accidents due to the computerization of systems;
- Better fluidity in road traffic, using communication between vehicles;
- A reduction in the number of traffic offenses;
- Reduction of traffic jams;
- Facilitation of movement (even when you are not in a state of driving);
- Better respect for the environment, with reduced pollution, etc.
When will we use self-driving cars?
Most car manufacturers such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Renault, Tesla and Toyota have developed a project on bringing an autonomous car into circulation.
The majority of these manufacturers have promised the release of their models at the end of this year 2020. Thus, unlike the United States where five states have authorized the circulation of autonomous cars on open roads, in France, this circulation would be authorized from 2020 for level 3 cars and from 2022 for fully autonomous cars.
Despite the rapid development of technology, legislation must also evolve in order to take this driving model into account and give legal status to the autonomous car to facilitate and regulate its use. Either way, the autonomous car is coming very soon!
