Autonomous “self-driving” vehicles are coming! Until very recently, this statement was received with wide skepticism. The skeptics are losing ground fast, though, as practically every major automobile manufacturer has chimed in with announcements of their own programs for autonomously driven vehicles.
Tesla, Google, and others have shown that the technology is very close to ready for consumer use. The main delaying factors in getting these new vehicles on the road may mpt be technical, but rather the slow institution of new laws and insurance regulations.
The disruptive potential of self-driving vehicles is enormous, perhaps as large as the introduction of cell phones, or even personal computers. Autonomous vehicles may allow passengers to either work or relax during travel time, reduce traffic accidents & injuries, and revamp entire industries dedicated to vehicle rental, transportation, freight, and delivery services. An entire segment of the population, including infirm and aged, might gain a large amount of personal mobility. It is hard to imagine any new technology with more disruptive potential, yet the benefits are also incalculable.
Time will tell, and this site will keep you informed as we follow & report the latest news & technology on the Autonomous Road.