Google is building cars that are 100% self-reliant, meaning they come without a steering wheel or brakes! The cars drive completely on their own. But are they safe?.

 

 

Google, through its subsidiary Waymo, has been at the forefront of developing self-driving cars for several years. In 2015, Google (now Alphabet Inc.) unveiled a prototype of a self-driving car that did not have a steering wheel or pedals (brakes or accelerators). Here are some key points about Google's development of self-driving cars without traditional controls:

Waymo

Waymo is the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. (Google's parent company) and is responsible for developing and deploying self-driving technology.

Safety Features

While the early prototypes lacked traditional controls like a steering wheel and pedals, they were equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, lidar, and radar systems, which allowed the vehicles to navigate and respond to their surroundings autonomously.

Level 4 Autonomy

The goal of Waymo's self-driving cars is to achieve a high level of automation known as Level 4 autonomy, which means the vehicles can operate without human intervention under specific conditions, such as within geofenced urban areas.

Early Testing

Waymo initially conducted extensive testing of its self-driving technology on modified production vehicles from other automakers, including Lexus SUVs and Chrysler Pacifica minivans.

Ridesharing Services

Waymo has been piloting self-driving ridesharing services in select cities, allowing users to hail autonomous vehicles for transportation. These services provide valuable data and insights for further development.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Developing self-driving cars without traditional controls presented challenges related to safety and regulatory compliance. Waymo has worked closely with regulatory authorities to ensure the safety of its vehicles and passengers.

User Experience

Without a steering wheel and pedals, the user experience inside the vehicle differs significantly from conventional cars. Waymo has designed user interfaces and controls specifically for autonomous operation.

Advancements and Partnerships

Over the years, Waymo has made significant advancements in its autonomous technology and has formed partnerships with automakers and companies interested in incorporating self-driving technology into their vehicles.

Commercial Deployment

Waymo has expanded its self-driving service offerings and has plans to deploy fully autonomous vehicles for commercial purposes. These include ridesharing, delivery services, and more.

It's important to note that while Waymo has made significant progress in developing self-driving cars without traditional controls, the broader adoption of such vehicles may require regulatory approvals and societal acceptance. The transition to fully autonomous vehicles represents a major shift in transportation, with potential implications for safety, mobility, and urban planning.

 

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"Google Building Self-Driving Cars Without Steering Wheel or Brakes"