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  • Essay / Self-Driving Cars: What's Behind Their Capabilities

    Self-driving cars are a project started years ago by Google Inc. The idea was introduced in 2009 and Google is barely working on it, hoping that it will will be presented to customers in the near future. The vehicles will likely not have pedals or steering wheels as they will be completely independent of the driver. Although this may seem very dangerous, there is evidence that proves otherwise. The machines will improve safety and reduce traffic. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Contrary to popular belief, self-driving cars will make the roads safer. There are and always will be people who make the unfortunate decision to sit behind the wheel while drunk, knowingly putting their lives and the lives of others at risk. Additionally, individuals often drive while exhausted, stressed, or under other emotional conditions that can significantly impact their driving. Driverless cars will not experience any emotions and will therefore be much more likely to make the right decision in a complicated situation. Additionally, when a machine runs on its own, without being operated by a human, it will likely last longer, saving on service costs. The logical reasoning is that self-driving cars will also reduce traffic. Most of us have experienced this inconvenience, which in some cases leads to road rage or other problems. This wastes resources such as time and gas. Therefore, minimizing the negative impact of traffic can have a significant impact on our lives and travel experiences. Google CEO Sergey Brinn explained that one of the main features of the vehicles will be the interaction between them. He presents them as a “fleet of interconnected cars” which would provide a solution to stop-and-go traffic. This connection between self-driving cars will provide the opportunity to achieve so-called platooning. Which means that with connectivity, vehicles could move closer together like a train. This will immediately eliminate some intermittent traffic and increase highway capacity, respectively reducing public funds. But are the machines ready to be released onto the roads? It turns out that some problems remain regarding the coding of the algorithms used by the vehicles. On March 18, 2018, a case proved this. A Volvo XC90 has been driving for 19 minutes without any intervention from its substitute driver when suddenly an object appears in front of it. The algorithm calculates that the object is 6 seconds away, assuming it has remained stationary. However, objects on the road rarely remain still, which is why the algorithm continues its analysis concluding that it is a car that would drive away and that no action is necessary to be implemented. At the very last second, the computer realizes that it is actually a woman riding a bicycle and, to avoid liability, it gives control back to the driver. The outcome was fatal for the 49 elderly women. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay So, the final question: Who should be found guilty in this case? There are still algorithm problems to be solved as they put innocent lives at risk..