Jason Torchinsky, author and technology enthusiast, discusses the implications of self-driving cars and the potential changes they may bring. Topics include attitudes towards autonomous cars, limitations of artificial intelligence, the popularity of the trolley problem, and the design possibilities of autonomous vehicles.
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Quick takeaways
Development of autonomous vehicles must consider the complex interactions between autonomous systems and human drivers as well as non-human road users.
Advancements in sensor technology show potential for increased autonomy and safety, but there are still critical issues to address, including regulatory standards, cybersecurity, and public acceptance.
The future of autonomous vehicles opens up a whole new universe of possibilities for vehicle design, focusing on customizable interiors, modular platforms, and autonomous delivery vehicles.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Autonomy and Human Interaction in Self-Driving Cars
In this podcast episode, Jason Torcinski discusses the human side of autonomous vehicles, exploring the challenges and implications of living in a world where cars drive themselves. While current autonomous systems are limited, with level two autonomy requiring drivers to be ready to take control, future developments could lead to fully autonomous vehicles. However, questions arise around the prioritization of safety and decision-making in unpredictable situations, such as the Trolley Problem. The technology behind autonomous vehicles includes visual processing algorithms, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors, radar, and GPS, but further advancements and improvements are needed. The incorporation of multiple sensory modalities and the development of communication between vehicles also pose challenges. Despite these complexities, a combination of clever programming and deep learning is being used to train autonomous vehicle systems.
The Role of Sensors and Technology in Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous vehicles rely on various sensors, including cameras, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors, radar, and GPS, to perceive and interpret the environment. Cameras provide visual input for things like lane keeping and object recognition, while LIDAR uses lasers to create a three-dimensional map of the surroundings. Ultrasonic sensors assist with close-quarter maneuvering, such as parking, and radar helps maintain distance from other vehicles. The computational power and software algorithms behind these sensors analyze and process the collected data to inform the vehicle's decision-making. While challenges regarding sensor quality, environmental conditions, and sensor maintenance need to be addressed, ongoing advancements aim to improve the reliability and accuracy of sensor technology.
The Importance of Balancing Autonomy and Human Factors
Efforts to achieve higher levels of autonomy in vehicles must consider the complex interactions between autonomous systems and human drivers, as well as non-human road users. While visual and sensor-based technologies aid in perceiving the environment, human-driven vehicles often rely on implicit signals, such as eye contact and body language, to navigate situations on the road. Developing autonomous vehicles that can understand and respond appropriately to these cues poses a unique challenge. Furthermore, ethical considerations arise, such as determining how autonomous vehicles prioritize safety in potentially dangerous scenarios. Striking a balance between autonomy and preserving human control and accountability remains a crucial aspect of future autonomous vehicle development.
The Future of Autonomous Vehicles
The future of autonomous vehicles holds promise, but also faces hurdles. Advancements in deep learning and training algorithms, as well as improvements in sensor technology, show potential for increased autonomy and safety. However, there are still critical issues to address, including regulatory standards, cybersecurity, and public acceptance. Additionally, considerations about data privacy and ownership, infrastructure development, and economic and societal impacts need to be closely examined. Achieving the full potential of autonomous vehicles will require ongoing collaboration and interdisciplinary efforts across technology, policy, and human factors research.
The Future of Autonomous Vehicles: Designing Transportation Robots
As autonomous vehicles become more prevalent, it is important to shift our perspective from thinking of them as cars to viewing them as transportation robots. This change in mindset opens up a whole new universe of possibilities for vehicle design. Instead of the traditional car layout with forward-facing seats, there is potential for creating more flexible and customizable interiors. People may desire a mobile room on wheels that can accommodate various activities such as working, sleeping, or socializing. The focus will shift from exterior design to interior functionality and comfort. Electric modular platforms will likely be used to create different-sized vehicles, catering to different needs and preferences. The advent of autonomous vehicles also opens up opportunities for autonomous delivery vehicles, offering the convenience of unmanned errand robots. While fully autonomous vehicles may dominate in certain areas, private car ownership will still have a place, particularly in locations where car ownership is more prevalent, such as regions like Los Angeles. The key will be creating flexible and modular vehicles that can adapt to different needs and maximizes the time spent in the vehicle.
Retaining the Joy and Experience of Driving in an Autonomous Future
While the development of autonomous vehicles brings numerous benefits such as safety and efficiency, there is an aspect of driving that may be lost - the joy of the journey and the experience of driving itself. Human-driven cars offer a unique opportunity to engage with the environment and the journey incrementally. One can appreciate the changing landscapes and spontaneous encounters along the way. With fully autonomous vehicles, the driving experience transforms into a point-to-point journey, where passengers can engage in other activities during the travel time. This loss of the journey as a genuine, immersive experience is a concern. Autonomous vehicles may eliminate the possibility of aimless drives or spontaneous exploration without a predetermined destination. Driving also provides a meditative and uninterrupted space where individuals can escape the demands of productivity. Autonomous cars may lead to the expectation of constant productivity, leaving little room for personal reflection or relaxation. Preserving the space for driving enthusiasts and those who cherish the journey is crucial in the development of autonomous vehicles.
It’s easy to foresee that technological progress will change how we live; it’s much harder to anticipate exactly how. Self-driving cars represent an enormous technological challenge, but one that is plausibly on the way to being solved. What will be the unanticipated consequences when autonomous vehicles become commonplace? Jason Torchinsky is a fan of technology, but also a fan of driving, and his recent book Robot, Take the Wheel examines how our relationship with cars is likely to change in the near future.
Jason Torchinsky is a senior editor at Jalopnik. His writing has also appeared in venues such as Boing Boing, Muck Rack, and Mother Jones. He is a producer and occasional guest star on Jay Leno’s Garage, and has been the host of the YouTube series Jason Drives.
