Some would say that the autonomous car is an inevitable part of the automotive future. A big, scary word, for a big, scary idea. For some. But the reality is that some people are hopelessly terrible drivers, so a technologically-advanced car mode of transportation should be better, right? Well that’s what automakers and politicians alike are thinking. GM’s idea, called “Super Cruise“, is a semi-autonomous technology that uses different components, such as cameras and radars, to keep a car not only in its lane, but also bring it to a stop if needed.
Existing technologies, including lane-departure warning systems and active cruise control, are precursors for autonomous vehicles, and can be found today in everything from BMWs to Cadillacs. Although these systems work well, the “smart” steering wheel isn’t quite here yet.
“The steering control is the big additional piece,” said John Capp, GM’s director of electrical controls and active safety technology in a Washington Post report. Capp notes that more work remains in regards to road conditions, the interaction of sensors, visibility of lane lines, driver interaction, manual override, etc.
It’s most likely that this technology would end up in a Cadillac first, and then trickle its way down to the Buick–Opel–Vauxhall, GMC, and Chevy offerings. On a related note, we were told that a Cadillac SRX was equipped with the technology, and worked rather well.
“Super Cruise will be designed in a way to help you keep your visual attention on the road ahead,” said Charles Green, an engineer who studies driver performance with autonomous systems. “The ‘how’ is something that will become more apparent as we show Super Cruise in its later versions.”
We’re not quite sure how the technology would work in real-world applications either, but we’re sure that our own Manoli Katakis could use it right about now on his journey to Colorado.
Comments
Well they already have park assist. . . . .
Gee I cannot wait,I guess the people who only see cars as a way to get from A to B in something that drives like a sofa with an engine will be happy. For me you will have to pull my 7 speed manual shifter from my cold dead hand. Where is the passion and fun in commuting like an automaton. God help us if this becomes the norm.
Joseph, you are forgetting that the average American adult will be at a retiring age by 2020, and many have poor eyesight and slow mental response. Most have to drive because they need to travel and only a few large cities have a good public transportation system (buses and trains) that can carry those who should not drive. So if you believe that you will never age, you can keep your manual 7-speed transmission and die with it in your hand. But for the normal American driver, any automatic help, including a fully autonomous system is better than having someone drive them all day.
God helps those who really need Him. You probably don’t need Him (maybe the other Guy is in your favor).
Raymond, I couldn’t agree with you more
My concern is where all this autonomous things can go.
Yes It can help many but also it could be used to control the majority.
The time could come where they can tell you and or you vehicle what road you can go on and when you go. Yes it will be in the name of traffic control at first and or emission etc. But who is to day it could restrict the freedom of travel in this country at some point.
I am not one of these paranoid anti government types but I can see how if in the wrong hands how this could be used against the people it was stated to help.
With much that has gone on of late I am starting to distrust many in office and really do not want things in place that could restrict my freedom to chose or travel.
It is kind of like this NSA stuff going on. I fully understand all the good they can do but in the wrong hands it gives the tools to the wrong people to use if for the wrong things. Hey if they are using the IRS to target people who is going to stop the other branches.
Besides I love to drive and really do not want to lose that option.
It is one of those deals where I do not expect it to happen where something like this could be used against us but with the way things are anymore who is to say it won’t.
We are free to move in this country unlike any other country in the worlds. Many you are restricted by government or even the many tolls you have to pay just to cross country drive. This is a freedom that could go away as things advance.
Think it would never happen. Just type the right or wrong words here and it goes into a government bank and their records.
Damn I have to go there is a black Suburban out front.
But seriously it is something to consider with new technology no matter what kind. We always are told how things will help but we also need to consider how it could be used to hurt.
I agree with all you stated. As irritating as it is the nanny state continues because mindless masses allow it.
You can practically smell the paranoia around here. Get a grip, people.