Let your car drive you

News & events

3rd Quarter 2011 News & events

Google has tested a self-driving car, a first in robotics research. Six automated Toyota Priuses and one Audi TT have collectively logged more than 225 000 km to date over Californian highways and roads. In the latest development, Nevada has passed a new law enabling driverless cars in that state.

Before an automated car takes the road, Google sends out a driver to map the route, logging lane markers and traffic signs to become familiar with terrain. This road information is relayed to Google’s data centres. Armed with this intelligence, the automated cars use video cameras mounted on the roof, radar sensors and a laser range finder to ‘see’ other traffic, as well as detailed maps to navigate the road ahead. The cars stop at stop signs and traffic lights completely on their own. The Google advantage comes from its data centres, which can process the enormous amounts of information gathered by the cars when mapping the terrain. The cars are manned at all times by a trained driver ready to take control. Google hopes the cars can eventually help reduce accidents, free up motorists’ time and ultimately curb carbon emissions.

The opportunity for Google is to become the exclusive supplier of proprietary software. Its automated driver system has the potential to become the operating standard for every car in the world – the Windows of motor vehicles. Says Google Distinguished Engineer, Sebastian Thrum, “While this project is very much in the experimental stage, it provides a glimpse of what transportation might look like in the future. And that future is very exciting.”

For more information visit http://tiny.cc/5yt9l

Share this article:

BMG backs emerging driver talent in South African motorsport
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG News & events
BMG has reaffirmed its commitment to local talent development through its sponsorship of Karabo Malemela, a driver on the Pablo Clark Racing Development Company’s motorsport development programme.

Read more...

Parker Hannifin brings advanced motion technologies to the World RX
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa News & events
Parker Hannifin is back on the FIA World Rallycross Championship grid to push the limits of sustainable performance in one of motorsport’s toughest arenas.

Read more...

Prestigious award recognises inventiveness and entrepreneurial courage
Beckhoff Automation News & events
Hans Beckhoff, managing director, owner and founder of Beckhoff Automation, was recently honoured with the widely acclaimed Rudolf Diesel Medal 2025. This medal honours him as a visionary pioneer in automation technology.

Read more...

Epiroc rocks youth development programmes
News & events
Epiroc is not just building equipment - it’s building futures. Through its dynamic internship and learner programmes, the mining equipment and services specialist is shaping South Africa’s next generation of skilled professionals, equipping them with real-world experience, industry knowledge and the confidence to launch successful careers.

Read more...

RS South Africa showcases industrial solutions at MTE Phalaborwa
RS South Africa News & events
RS South Africa recently showcased its latest industrial and electronic solutions at the Mining and Technical Exhibition in Phalaborwa in Limpopo.

Read more...

LH Marthinusen launches new industrial fan manufacturing and services factory
News & events
LH Marthinusen has launched its new industrial fan manufacturing and services factory in Ekurhuleni. THis is a major milestone for South African energy infrastructure growth.

Read more...

Building skills and sharing knowledge for growth in Africa
SEW-EURODRIVE News & events
As a leading provider of drive and automation solutions across the continent, SEW-EURODRIVE recognises that local insight and on-the-ground capability are critical to delivering effective sustainable results. The company continues to invest in people development and technical training within its network of African subsidiaries and partners, supporting the long-term growth of its customers and the broader industrial ecosystem.

Read more...

Schneider Electric drives innovation in Africa
Schneider Electric South Africa News & events
Schneider Electric has officially launched its first Innovation Hub on the African continent, coinciding with the opening of its new regional headquarters in Midrand, South Africa.

Read more...

From the editor's desk: Riding the hype cycle
Technews Publishing News & events
The other day, I came across an entertaining article on the ten biggest tech failures of the last decade. Google Glass, 3D TVs and Elon Musk’s hyperloop have all faded into obscurity. Others, like the ...

Read more...

Categories

News & events

Let your car drive you

Further reading:

Publications by Technews