Always trying to stay on top of technology in virtually every sense, one of Google’s most recent projects is the automated Google car that drives itself. Using advanced robotics technology, Google has a six Toyota Priuses and one Audi TT that have been modified and tested, to the tune of nearly 150,000 miles, in their fleet of robotic cars.
Google's vision for the project is to help reduce the number of accidents and fatalities and reduce the carbon footprint by assisting motorists with their travel routes. Though not mentioned in Google’s statement, the possibilities of the life-saving benefits of these vehicles if brought to market could be astronomical. Imagine the impact on the lives of people with disabilities that still drive, but have difficulties. Since Google has shown the technology is not only available, but has already been proven to work, the next question is whether or not you would trust an automated, self-controlled Google car.
How do they do it? According to Google, ''Our automated cars use video cameras, radar sensors, and a laser range finder to 'see' other traffic, as well as detailed maps (which we collect using manually driven vehicles) to navigate the road ahead.''
