The Kobayashi Maru test is upon us

[Octane (Humayun)]

As for why we need autonomous cars, check out the technology Lexus is working on (and, has already implemented). Pretty damn amazing!

Their rationale for autonomous vehicles is to allow the older generation to still enjoy getting on the road and going for a drive.

I originally saw the article in a Wheels magazine a couple of months back while waiting for a pizza, but, here's a web version:

http://www.theverge.com/2013/1/7/384...g-car-ces-2013

H

[AstralTraveller (David)]

Originally Posted by Camelopardalis

Are you proposing a scoring system, a la Death Race 2000?

Sorry, I haven't seen the movie but I think I get the drift. I'm not proposing anything, just pointing out the layers of complexity in making ethical decisions.

[AndrewJ]

Surely there is an automatically activated manual overide

IIRC, with one of the earlier "runaways", the car was an auto with drive by wire throttle. The computer wouldnt allow the car to be forced to neutral ( or allow the engine turned off ) if going above a set speed. The throttle didnt respond so all they had was a foot on the brake, that the cruise control fought.
And as you noted, once implemented, all normal driving "skills" will be lost quite rapidly, so manual override would probably be useless. The person would just have to sit there and see what happens.
I do see one benefit tho, Taxis would know where to go

Andrew

[AndrewJ]

As for why we need autonomous cars, check out the technology

After listening to the radio this morning, there are other "needs" coming along too.
The discussion regarding "pay for ALL road use based on time, location, distance travelled" is getting raised again. One option mooted was to put cameras everywhere, but the new one thats becoming more and more viable is that ALL cars MUST be fitted with govt authorised GPS trackers that are readable by the government roads dept. ALL your travel gets logged and different "toll" rates apply based on type of road, time of day etc multiplied by the km you drive at each rate. Sounds like another way for the Govt to keep "metadata" on where everyone goes, and at the same time, get the poor off the roads so the rich can get a faster trip.
Sometimes i think technology isnt always here to help .

Andrew

[Camelopardalis (Dunk)]

Rock and hard place anyone? Autonomous car or Sydney cab driver

[Octane (Humayun)]

It's all doom and gloom, Andrew.

H

[AndrewJ]

Gday H

It's all doom and gloom, Andrew.

If idiots like the think tank bod this morning get there way it will be.

At least 2 pollies have since replied that they wont be doing it (yet)
but you have to wonder what these idiots will come up with next,
esp when technology makes it "simple".

Andrew