Google unleased its self-driving fleet in real traffic and let the cars cruise a total of a million miles with back-up drivers ready to hit the brakes or take the wheel. The humans didn’t take control.
As it turned out, there were 11 minor accidents and no injuries, according to Google’s Chris Umson, who claimed that none of the fender benders was Google’s fault. He told the Associated Press that all the self-driving cars behaved well (not bad, considering the cars just got their learners’ permits). He also said most were hit from behind.
Not so fast, Google. Delphi, which automated the Audi SQ5, claims its car was broadsided by a Google car. Hmmm. Lexus vs. Audi, Google vs. Delphi—sounds like bumper cars!
Related: Driverless Self-driving Truck of the Future Will Crash Into Labor Laws of the Past
Other companies have permits to test their driverless cars including Daimler/Mercedes, Honda, and Nissan with Volkswagen and a host of others on tap.
This is not going away—and in the case of Daimler, they’ve extended the technology to trucks.
For older people and the disabled, who need a little help driving and parking, an autonomous car could be the difference between independence and a shut-in life.
If, on the other hand, these cars decide to “think,” we could all be in trouble.
Attention Autobots! Start Your Engines!