Google has created its first autonomous (driverless) cars. And yes they operate without a steering wheel. Google plans to construct 100 cars for testing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IzlWG-Gzm0
The first 100 cars will retain manual controls, due to legal compliance requirements. High quality global journalism requires investment. The two-seater electric cars will take it slow at first, limiting their top speed to 25mph, and building their bonnets with foam to minimise the impact in the event of a crash.
Google’s driverless cars work in urban areas which other, manned vehicles have previously scanned. The data from the scans is then used to create highly detailed maps that are uploaded to the autonomous vehicles which then also scan the area around them.
In the UK, Milton Keynes is already pledged to start a driverless cars trial by 2017.
Check out the June magazine – out soon – for our Automotive Sector Focus special.
