Self-driving cars...

[xb-60]

My satnav won't start up in some areas where there are plenty of big eucalypts lining the roads.
Does that mean we would have to clear trees completely away from roads ?

Cheers,
Glen

[Paul F]

The Google cars use a rotating laser on the roof and others use radar. So what happens when there are 20 cars in your vicinity all beaming out a laser/radar that is bouncing all over. How does it determine which signal is which?

Speaking of hacking; will any kid with a laser be able to disable the Google car?

[Tommy]

Thanks Tim. The ACLU is apparently opposed to tag scanner data over privacy concerns. Their website indicates most states do not regulate the data. That is true for my state as well.

[mtrain2000]

For the love of God, don't bring up these subjects on any other general automotive forum as you will be severely, and soundly flamed, by the young and trendy.

I recently brought up the subject, actually on a gear head forum, about how todays vehicles are getting overly complicated. You would have thought I called someone mother a whore.

For example of over complication, I found out the motor mounts on my 05 Nissan are ELECTRIC!!!!! They are supposed to reduce engine vibration at idle.

So what is the problem you ask?, Well, when these electric motor mounts go out they tend to kill the ECU!!!!

Not to mention electronic throttle bodies. I understand the reason behind stuff like electronic throttle bodies as in it makes it easier for the car makers as you don't have to design a separate throttle linkage for each different car/engine combo, but Hell the cables, and linkages were so easy to repair, not to mention one less thing to have to trouble shoot when a problem occurs.

I think the ultimate goal for car makers is to have cars that have to be taken to the dealership for any repairs.

[Jaydee]

I don't like electronic throttle either.
The main reasons were to cut emissions. So you can't pump the throttle, or have to much throttle at low revs. Also it makes it easier to incorporate a cruise control, etc. The Subaru have a censor that that won't allow throttle if parked against a wall in the wrong gear. I work for Road Service and I admit cars are more reliable, but anything more than a flat tyre or battery and the car gets towed. If you jump start a Mercedes the wrong way, you fry a 7000 dollars computer.
JD

[xb-60]

Back to Doug's original post...

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

....Mom driving them to school two blocks away....

....I can just imagine the drop-off or pick-up time at our local school, with a street full of driver-less cars all trying to park or find junior.

Cheers,
Glen

[Tommy]

How about one spouse taking the car to the store, and when she comes out, the other has recalled the car to pick him up from the gym.

[mtrain2000]

One big thing I hate is the theft prevention crap on these new cars.

Try to start my Altima over five times without the engine starting, the ecu will shut it down. You have to tow it to the dealership, and have the ecu reflashed.

Also, there are many other little things that will trigger the NATs [security system] into shutting the car down.

I plan to buy the ecu piggy back controller, and shut that crap down.

[Jaydee]

Another one that's amazing that was never picked up during testing, is if you start your car, and only move it 10 or so feet and shut it down, trying to restart it up to 1 week later, and the engine floods. You have to floor it and play with the throttle until it eventually starts in a cloud of smoke. Not all cars do it. Mainly small cars.

[Buzz]

They've got the Corvettes automated - Cobras next!!

All kidding aside - this is just a taste of where technology can take us and if nothing else, it's nice that an old racer who is now paralysed due to a crash will be able to do some hot laps again.

Colorado's Governor Drives Semi-Autonomous Corvette Stingray - Corvette: Sales, News & Lifestyle

[Joe's Garage]

Originally Posted by Buzz

They've got the Corvettes automated - Cobras next!!

All kidding aside - this is just a taste of where technology can take us and if nothing else, it's nice that an old racer who is now paralysed due to a crash will be able to do some hot laps again.

Colorado's Governor Drives Semi-Autonomous Corvette Stingray - Corvette: Sales, News & Lifestyle

From the article ...
Acceleration and braking are controlled by sucking or blowing into a tube attached to a Freescale pressure sensor, while a cap fitted with sensors connects to in-camera cameras that detect head tilts to control steering.

One good sneeze and you're done

[Dangerous Doug]

Tesla has introduced "Autopilot", but has backed off on reports of dangerous driving by the software:

Tesla self-drive mode filmed 'endangering passengers' - BBC News

Trying to out-google Google, I guess.

I'm sure there will be fabulous applications for this capability. However, I so enjoy the driving experience I find it unfathomable that anyone would rather a car drive itself.

DD

[Buzz]

I don't think anyone here "would rather a car drive itself", I simply acknowledge that there will be practical and useful applications for the technology, without succumbing to the fear that it will totally take away or replace what we now enjoy. Automatic transmissions for example made things easier and better in many automotive applications without spelling the end of manual shifting for those who prefer to drive that way (like me).

[Dangerous Doug]

Originally Posted by Buzz

I don't think anyone here "would rather a car drive itself", I simply acknowledge that there will be practical and useful applications for the technology, without succumbing to the fear that it will totally take away or replace what we now enjoy. Automatic transmissions for example made things easier and better in many automotive applications without spelling the end of manual shifting for those who prefer to drive that way (like me).

Many teens now aren't in a rush to get their driver's license---they would rather not "deal" with driving. My niece was like this, and reluctantly learned to drive.

I read an article written by a early twenty-something girl that LOVED the Google self-driving car experience for the same reason.

There is also a migration by the twenty-something tech crowd to cities where one gets around by walking, mass transit, Uber or taxi, with little or no reliance on a car---and driving oneself.

DD

[Buzz]

Yup - that would do it for sure. However, violent sneezes have been known to cause accidents in normal cars driven by normal folks too.

[Jamo]

Seems to me the only reason I might be interested in a self driving car is if there's a toilet in the damn thing...one of them there Japanese kind, with the heated seat, wash and dryer. Maybe with a Kurig next to it. And a good sized screen to read the WSJ. And donuts...gotta have donuts.

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by Jamo

Seems to me the only reason I might be interested in a self driving car is if there's a toilet in the damn thing...one of them there Japanese kind, with the heated seat, wash and dryer. Maybe with a Kurig next to it. And a good sized screen to read the WSJ. And donuts...gotta have donuts.

Sounds like you just need to get an RV and hire Kato to drive it for you!

[mr bruce]

terrorist will love these self driving cars

[Jamo]

Originally Posted by mr bruce

terrorist will love these self driving cars

Yup...good point. First our guns and then our ability to move freely about the country to asscape the damn zombies (and they are coming, have no doubt about it).

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by Jamo

Yup...good point. First our guns and then our ability to move freely about the country to asscape the damn zombies (and they are coming, have no doubt about it).

Yup, not to mention that somebody's server would now know where you live, where you go for dinner, where your kids go to school, where you bank etc. Every move tracked. Is this 1984 or 2015?