I think a big issue with Autonomous cars will be their ability to react to many different scenarios, and scenarios never being the same. Driving conditions can continually change, whether it be the road conditions (snow, rain, etc), tire treadwear, suspension components wearing out, defensive driving, etc, etc. It is hard to say if a self-driving car will ever be able to perform better than an experienced driver at handling these scenarios. It would take a lot of work to develop the software and hardware, then processing power of the car to handle constantly varying conditions.
In actual fact, am just wondering whether human beings can ever attain an absolute level of perfection in technology and at the same time, we cant underestimate the work of researchers in the field of robotics and machine learning/articial intelligence. I think, specialised set of technology is handling that part, though.
A more complex example, Aeroplane - FLY-BY-WIRE flight control system, is an electronic interface designed to replace conventional manual control system of plane. Fly -by-wire has 3 major functions --- (1) It sends flight control inform of electronic signal transmitted by wire (2) The computer - deals with movement of Actuators to surface whilst at control surface to provide commanded response (3) it performs functional computation by automating signals without Pilot's input.
I don't necessarily disagree with you BUT won't the cost factor to implement such technologies be high due to the necessary foundations for the embedded technologies and road digitization?
Good point, Anne. Also, what occurs when bugs occur in software controlled systems, or the software is not smart enough to compensate for certain circumstances? Ideally, there are no software bugs to fix, but there most likely will be a certain amount if/when these products are first released. I think there will be a percentage of the public that will be against it.
This is going to revolutionalize the automoblie with low rate of accidents and better driving environment, but my concern is what if the control system fails?
As much as technologies open door to unlimited opportunities so also challenges. I dont really think that could cause headache to both designers and manufacturers of driverless cars.
Meanwhile, this is another unexplored area where embedded technology application can perfectly handle. Road digitization with real -time techniques - sychronization of real timing based problem and sensor, typical example.
The rail point brings me to a question regarding the use of this technology. As I look at trains, trolleys on the road, I wonder how cars would factor into the situation. Would this mean that there would have to be mass reconstruction of existing roads to make it all work. If it is GPS/satellite based, what happens on a cloudy day OR when reception is interfered. I think it is a good idea but needs some work before it goes mainstream.
Rightly so Kayode. However, without basic input from a human point of things, it's practically impossible to operate a robotic machine. Which in effect shows inadequacy both ways.
Well, I find it hard to say yes because even our daily activities don,t not make thing easy, we have to somehow depend on robots to do alot of thing for us and that keeps increasing day by day
Kayode, that is true you cannot expect 100% from a machine's performance. So in other words, is it safe to suggest that ultimate reliance on a robotic car maybe far removed?
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Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
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Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
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