Nevada Allows Google's Self-Driving Car: Super or Scary?

For anyone that knows computer programming, you know that computers will do only and exactly what you tell them to do. It receives inputs from sensors, operators, code, etc. proccesses the inputs, produces outputs, outputs are read and compared with current conditions, and processed again to fine tune the outputs. They do not get distracted or selectively focused by a cell phone call, food on the run, makeup, shaving its face, etc. I also know that the assumed human reaction time used to determine speed limits, stop light cycle times, and cross walk locations is approximately 2 seconds. This is the time it takes to realize you need to react, not the time it takes to complete the reaction. A computer would read and react to a situation (if the sensors work properly) "instantly". This could cut down pedestrian accidents big time.

Provided the coders have put a ton of redundancy in the coding to ensure that malfunctions can be recitifed by the computer it should be great. This is to say that if they computer malfunctions it has either: 1. an auto park mode where it will put the flashers on and pull off the road...or 2. a warning indicator that informs you that you will resume control of the vehicle in a predetermined amount of time and go into a "limp home" mode. I'm guessing that with all of the testing they've been doing the sensory and coding is very robust. I'm looking forward to seeing more of these in the future.

The only thing I really don't like about it (put your tinfoil hats on) is that this vehicle is undoubtedly connected to a network at all times meaning Google will likely record anyone who drives its frequent travel information just like they do on the internet. Before you know it all the radio ads will cater to your usual spots and you'll start to feel like you have a huge consumer profile hovering above your head. They do it with email and cell phones right now.. why not with your mode of transportation?

Again I guess you did not read the link. In 2004 the system was not in place. And now you bring in Chile?

And I have worked in the Computer/Tech Field since 1972. Including repairing them when they consisted of refrigerator sized backplanes, with wiring between hundreds of pins to link the hundreds of chips that did the computing. To programming and installing a Touch Screen POS system that we sold for years, and eventually developing online sales solutions for some big business. To teaching Microprocessers and their use at a Technical College.

And yes computers are subject to failure. But they failure rate now is infinitesmal compared to the 80's and 90's. The average car now has many computers running various functions. The average life of a Laptop is 10-12 years. Most have only 2 Mechanical parts now. The Hard Drive, and the Cooling fan. And even Hard Drives are becomining Solid State.

And Computers are now in development, and successfully so, that actually learn, and keep themselves programmed. With little or no help after booting up. One beat the Jeopardy All Stars last year. Even your Computer keeps itself updated if you set it up to do so.

My Prius I have been told has 8 Computers onboard to govern everything from Fuel misture, to Braking, to Battery charging of each of the hundred or so Cells safely. And these cars have been on the road for 10 years now with virtually no failures.

The Luxury cars already have some very sophisticated systems for Crash avoidance, and even watching the drivers eyes and assist in keeping him awake. And slowly and safely taking the car off the road in case of an emergency. Even the lowly ford Focus can be obtained with Self Parking. Just the ABS system is one that should amaze you , and how many of those have you heard of failing?

The Google system is inovative, and now just a one of a kind package. Interesting, and forecast back in the 60's as the eventual evolution of Personal transportation.

Discount it at your pleasure, but it is the coming thing. There are always those that fight inovation, but take advantage of it eventually. Your attitude is the same as back in the days of Horse and Buggy, "Those New Fangled Gadgets will never replace old Nellie and my Buckboard." How many of those do you see on the freeway now????

Alright.. Sorry I am stubborn. Correct there was not a system in place in 2004. Although the signs were there that no one acted upon. Even though I have lost touch with what that does to our subject at hand.

I bring up 2010 solely because it is after the 2004 that created all these new warning systems which do not seem to work.

Great.. Can you explain why my Droid always crashes? Why do I always have to reboot the derned thing? It will tough if I am driving down the road and have to reboot my android capable car.

Yes SSDs are incredible pieces of hardware. They are still on the expensive side though compared to normal disk drive.

Yeah my new Honda is a computer masterpiece. I used to be able when I was a kid to change almost anything in the car. Now there are too many wires. Thank god though it monitors the air pressure in the tires or tells me that I am due for an oil change.

So does the Prius still has the gas level issue? It would tell you you were fine in gas but actually you wouldn't have any gas in the tank?

Crash avoidance is one thing.. Giving up complete control to google? Nah.. sorry I won't do that.

Self parking? Oooo great.. I can park just fine. I don't want the computer to do all that for me. I can do it better, faster and safer than the computer as far as driving my car is concerned.

That I will give you. The google system is innovative.

Nah I am perfectly happy with new tech as long as it is of a benefit. Look at Apples Iphones. Each version is just a money maker for apple. Nothing is much better than the previous. It is a good profit building technique. Sucks to be the consumer.