I was talking about this just the other day, thought it was worth sharing: http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/27/tech/innovation/nissan-driverless-car This is where I heard about this a few months ago (on Freakanomics, this is ~5 minutes that explains a lot): http://freakonomics.com/2013/05/29/baby-you-can-program-my-car-a-new-marketplace-podcast/
Have mixed feelings about the automation. There are advantages, but there is always going to be a downside and the eventual unintended consequences..
I think self driving cars will reduce a lot of accidents. Plus it would be nice to finally go to work and everyone isn't driving 10 under the speed limit because they're half asleep at the wheel.
That'd be the upside. Part of the downside would be........let's just say: "welcome to the collective, resistance is futile"
Most people misunderstand how self driving cars work. Most manufacturers are looking to and have only really automated the boring parts, namely driving on the freeway for long stretches. This happens to also be the part where most people dislike driving and removing the human factor will greatly increase efficiency. Basically to start, you'll still drive from your place to the on ramp and hit the "auto" button. The car will get you to your off ramp and you'll take over. Much like pilots have been doing for years with autopilot.
Not too many people misunderstand how the system works. For years, many TV shows have expounded on the mechanics. The software is just now catching up to the concept. Technology can be used for good or bad, mostly both.....just saying.
I don't get the point. Why not just invest in a train infrastructure.... just sounds stupid and disconnected.
Tracking: It's kinda hard to offer you targeted ads while you're traveling with hundreds of other people on a train. It's also impossible to remotely track, identify, control the vehicle, lock the doors and apprehend one person without effecting hundreds of other commuters. I brought this up about GPS enabled cell phones and got laughed at. Who was it that said "you can opt out or turn off" GPS phone tracking? Think again: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/y...ur-location-anyone-who-will-listen-8C10989061 This will be applied to vehicles too. Unless there's a legislative hindrance to such practices.
Tesla's response: 3 years http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2013/09/18/elon-musk-tesla-self-driving-cars/2829879/
i believe GM will accomplish their goals but will the car be as "exotic"(nice) looking as the S? i am almost sure GM reversed engineered the telsa batteries/technology...how else are they going from a single charge car that can only do 35 miles to boasting that now they can do a single charge car that will go 200 miles for around 30k?
The Spark goes about 100. So they'd need double the battery which currently would add $10k to its price putting it at about 40k. Also I think GM has had some amazing battery technology patented for years so they probably have it ready
