Google has been lobbying Nevada legislators to make driverless cars legal on state roads for some time. Well, this week Assembly Bill No 511 was passed, making Google’s driverless cars now legal in the US State of Nevada.
The new Nevada law defines and permits cars that rely on artificial intelligence, sensors, and GPS to drive without the active attention of a human operator. This groundbreaking legislation paves the way for the future of transportation, where autonomous vehicles could become a common sight on our roads. You can see a video of the new Google driverless car put through its paces after the jump.
The Technology Behind Driverless Cars
Driverless cars, also known as autonomous vehicles, utilize a combination of advanced technologies to navigate and operate without human intervention. These technologies include artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, sensors, and GPS. AI algorithms process data from the car’s sensors, which include cameras, radar, and lidar, to understand the vehicle’s surroundings and make real-time driving decisions. GPS provides precise location data, enabling the car to follow a predetermined route.
One of the key components of Google’s driverless car is its ability to detect and respond to various driving conditions and obstacles. For example, the car can identify pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles, and it can make split-second decisions to avoid collisions. The car’s AI system is constantly learning and improving, making it more adept at handling complex driving scenarios over time.
Google is not the only company developing driverless and automatic driving controls for cars. Volkswagen has also been developing a new temporary autopilot system for cars called TAP.
Volkswagen’s Temporary Autopilot System
Volkswagen’s Temporary Autopilot (TAP) system is another significant advancement in the field of autonomous driving. TAP is a semi-automatic driving mode that allows the car to drive at a selected speed while maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front. This system is designed to enhance driver convenience and safety, particularly during long highway drives.
TAP is a semi-automatic driving mode that will drive your car at the speed you have selected and also keep you at a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
The TAP system uses a combination of radar and camera sensors to monitor the road and traffic conditions. It can automatically adjust the car’s speed, steer within the lane, and even bring the car to a complete stop if necessary. While TAP still requires the driver to remain attentive and ready to take control, it significantly reduces the workload and stress associated with driving.
The legalization of driverless cars in Nevada marks a significant milestone in the journey toward fully autonomous vehicles. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more states and countries adopting similar legislation, paving the way for a future where driverless cars are the norm. This shift has the potential to revolutionize transportation, reducing traffic accidents, improving fuel efficiency, and providing greater mobility for individuals who are unable to drive.
Source: CNET
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