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Robocars: Roadblocks on the way
Submitted by brad on Mon, 2008-06-23 14:42.
A lot of obstacles must be overcome before Robocars can become reality. Some we can see solutions for, others are as yet unsolved. It’s not going to be easy, which is why I believe an Apollo style dedication is necessary. |
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For part three of my series of Robocars, now consider:
Privacy
No doubt robocars would need to report their position to the taxi company. This might deter people from using them fearing people spying on them.
People might also fear the government pressuring the taxi company to reprogram the taxi to deliver a "suspected terrorist" into their hands.
I cannot wait for cars to
I cannot wait for cars to drive themselves. The scariest thing about driving is other people on the road. I know what I may do, but I never know what other people will do. I also know that I will make mistakes while driving. I can hope that when I do, they'll be uneventful, but I'd much rather trust a tested computer system to drive. I get tired. I get distracted. I get bored.
The robotaxi idea is also very intriguing. My primary vehicle is just for in-town, semi-rural use. Sometimes, I have to travel across a few states. I'd rather use a robotaxi for that, if my self-driving primary vehicle is too small and/or doesn't have the range, and sleep (or read or whatever) on the way. I also love the idea of a car that refuels itself.
I'd rather have a robocar than a flying car. Also, it's more energy efficient and could help America's foreign relations. Bring it on.
Up there with gay marriage?
I believe the legality for issuing driver's license rests with each of the 50 states. So it would be up the state legislatures and governors to legislate driver's licenses for robotic vehicles. I have a feeling there will be resistance to this on scale similar to that against gay marriage, especially if one state does it and the first accident occurs and a person is killed by a robotic vehicle. However, I think once this is hump is surpassed, it will rapidly catch on.
Also, I think people in America love their cars because of the independence it affords them. In a way, robotic cars will give people more independence: there is no law against drinking and being a passenger.
Deaths
I think we have to understand that, especially when the technology is new, it will fail and some people will be hurt or killed. If everybody will panic and go nuts when a person is killed by a computer error, it will be tough to deploy this technology, even if thousands are being saved. We must not pretend it won’t happen, and instead expect it and be ready for it.
This is why it may happen first not just in the most accepting state, but in a different country.
Auto Enthusiasts
I find your site very thorough, but I couldn't help but think that another obstacle would be what we now call "wrench heads". Guys who spend their weekends tweaking out a 1960's muscle car will be reluctant to ever give up their "raw power" or "feel of the road" to a robot. A minority of all people, sure, but still one in opposition, I'd bet.
They will still be out there
No I do have a section on them. I would not expect them to go away. They probably will do most of their power driving in more rural areas, and not so much on city streets, though.
Indeed, I even expect robocar tinkerers as well.
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