The 100% driverless car Google takes the road
In recent days, a strange vehicle roams the streets of Mountain View, in the heart of Silicon Valley. With its small size, rounded shapes and childlike looks, it seems straight out of a cartoon. It also presents another peculiarity: it is totally autonomous. It is indeed the first prototype of a driverless car entirely designed by Google.
The company has been conducting experiments in California and Nevada for five years now. But until now, she had only used commercial models, Toyota than Lexus. These cars are equipped with a sophisticated radar and camera system. This one allows to map the environment and to detect cars, pedestrians, red lights, white lines ...
The new prototype of "Google car" was developed in-house. Twenty units were produced by a small equipment manufacturer in Detroit, the American stronghold of the automobile. Initially, these cars should not include a steering wheel or pedals. Google, however, had to review its plans to comply with California regulations, which requires the presence of a driver who can regain control.
11 ACCIDENTS
Unveiled in May 2014, the prototype - which officially has no name - has already accumulated miles of testing on private tracks. The second phase of testing is now taking place on public roads near the headquarters of the search engine, at a maximum speed of 40 km / h. These tests should improve performance in the city, a complex environment for driverless cars.
Nestled in Google X, the home laboratory that imagines the most futuristic concepts, the project is still far from successful. Its director, Chris Urmson, talks about a possible commercial launch within five years. Many challenges remain to be solved, he explains. For example, "where should the car stop when its destination is inaccessible because of work? "
Since their first laps, Google's cars have made about 1.5 million kilometres independently. Without the slightest accident, the company explained last year. At the beginning of May, however, she had to admit that eleven skirmishes had taken place since the start of the tests. "The driverless vehicle was never the cause of the accident," says Urmson.
STILL TEN YEARS OF WAITING?
Google is not the only company interested in driverless vehicles. Tuesday, June 23, Ford has formalized its ambitions in the field. "Many manufacturers are working on driverless cars," says Thilo Koslowski of Gartner. But the development will be done in stages. The analyst believes that it will be necessary to wait ten years before a completely autonomous model becomes general public.
In the meantime, an increasing number of vehicles will be driving alone under certain conditions. For example, for parking or on the highway, where the data to be analyzed are less complex than in the city. Tesla, the US manufacturer of electric cars, even promises the arrival of an autopilot feature this year. For its part, General Motors is planning a semi-autonomous model for 2017.
"In 2035, driverless cars will account for 9% of the world fleet. And almost 100% in 2050, "predicts Egil Juliussen of IHS Automotive. Google could become a major player in the sector. "The software aspect will be a key element to ensure the reliability of vehicles," says the analyst. On this point, the high-tech companies have expertise that does not own the car manufacturers.
The company has been conducting experiments in California and Nevada for five years now. But until now, she had only used commercial models, Toyota than Lexus. These cars are equipped with a sophisticated radar and camera system. This one allows to map the environment and to detect cars, pedestrians, red lights, white lines ...
The new prototype of "Google car" was developed in-house. Twenty units were produced by a small equipment manufacturer in Detroit, the American stronghold of the automobile. Initially, these cars should not include a steering wheel or pedals. Google, however, had to review its plans to comply with California regulations, which requires the presence of a driver who can regain control.
11 ACCIDENTS
Unveiled in May 2014, the prototype - which officially has no name - has already accumulated miles of testing on private tracks. The second phase of testing is now taking place on public roads near the headquarters of the search engine, at a maximum speed of 40 km / h. These tests should improve performance in the city, a complex environment for driverless cars.
Nestled in Google X, the home laboratory that imagines the most futuristic concepts, the project is still far from successful. Its director, Chris Urmson, talks about a possible commercial launch within five years. Many challenges remain to be solved, he explains. For example, "where should the car stop when its destination is inaccessible because of work? "
Since their first laps, Google's cars have made about 1.5 million kilometres independently. Without the slightest accident, the company explained last year. At the beginning of May, however, she had to admit that eleven skirmishes had taken place since the start of the tests. "The driverless vehicle was never the cause of the accident," says Urmson.
STILL TEN YEARS OF WAITING?
Google is not the only company interested in driverless vehicles. Tuesday, June 23, Ford has formalized its ambitions in the field. "Many manufacturers are working on driverless cars," says Thilo Koslowski of Gartner. But the development will be done in stages. The analyst believes that it will be necessary to wait ten years before a completely autonomous model becomes general public.
In the meantime, an increasing number of vehicles will be driving alone under certain conditions. For example, for parking or on the highway, where the data to be analyzed are less complex than in the city. Tesla, the US manufacturer of electric cars, even promises the arrival of an autopilot feature this year. For its part, General Motors is planning a semi-autonomous model for 2017.
"In 2035, driverless cars will account for 9% of the world fleet. And almost 100% in 2050, "predicts Egil Juliussen of IHS Automotive. Google could become a major player in the sector. "The software aspect will be a key element to ensure the reliability of vehicles," says the analyst. On this point, the high-tech companies have expertise that does not own the car manufacturers.
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