SELF-DRIVING CARS

SELF-DRIVING CARS Everything you need to know Self-driving cars are getting a lot of attention these days, and deservedly so. The introduction of these vehicles will revolutionise our transport system and the impact it has on our lives. In this infographic, we look at what the leading car-manufacturing companies are doing with their self-driving vehicles, examining the basic technology and functionality before going on to explore the 'big picture' created by such rapid developments. So, fasten your seatbelts... Let's go! THE TECHNOLOGY Current self-driving vehicles normally use FOUR different technologies. These include: 1) LIDAR (LIGHT DETECTION AND RANGING) LIDAR technology uses laser light to identify objects and measure distances. LIDAR is capable of measuring distances and speeds to up to 200 meters, in the light or in the dark. 2) RADAR Radar technology uses radio waves to identify objects, as well as determining angles and velocity. Radar is more effective than LIDAR in fog, snow, and rain. 3) ULTRASONIC Ultrasonic technology emits ultrasonic waves to determine dis- tances (much like a bat!) and can use this technology to determine speed, too. While ultrasonic technology isn't capable of the same higher ranges offered by LIDAR or radar, it does provide good all-weather functionality. 4) PASSIVE VISUAL Passive visual technology uses cameras and sophisticated image-recognition algorithms to determine what the cameras are seeing. Passive visual technology can detect colour, resolution, and contrast better than any of the other technologies. They have a longer range, too. FUNCTIONALITY: HOW DOES A TYPICAL SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE WORK? The LIDAR unit generates a 360 degree image of the 1) surroundings of the car. 2) The cameras mounted on the LIDAR unit use several images to determine distances. 3) Radar sensors measure the precise distances between the car and any obstacles. A main computer located in the boot of the car analyses 4) all of the gathered data noted above and makes the appropriate driving decisions. It's as if the various sensors are the car's eyes, providing infor- mation to the main computer - or brain - that makes decisions on how to move the car's body. THE BIGGER PICTURE Self-driving vehicles look set to become an everyday aspect of our daily lives, with trial version of self-driving trucks set to be tested in the UK by the end of 2018. However, such 'autonomous' vehicles still have to face a number of challenges. For example: How will a self-driving vehicle cope with the busiest roads and rush hour traffic? How will bad weather conditions, conditions that can quickly change, affect the vehicle? How will vehicles manage the risks of hacking? There's certainly much potential here, but as for when such cars of the future will become cars of the here and now, only time will tell.. Designed & Compiled by: 01792 477316 PLATES4LESS www.plates4less.co.uk