Google's Self Driving Electric Car Prototype

in google on 2014-05-30 09:33 (#3N7)

While Google's previous self-driving vehicles have been either a converted Toyota Prius or a Lexus SUV, their new prototype uses a new self-manufactured design that looks like a golf cart.

Unlike previous models, these cars won't have human drivers monitoring them at all times. Google said the cars can detect objects up to 200 yards away in all directions and adjust their speed, turns and braking accordingly.

Highlights include:

No steering wheel or pedals
Emergency stop button
Top speed of 25 MPH (40 KPH)
2 seats
Electric drive

Re: What about emergency steering? (Score: 2, Insightful)

by computermachine@pipedot.org on 2014-05-30 13:03 (#1Z6)

I assume these cars will have several safety mechanisms in place to make sure something like that happens only once in a while...

These kind of cars can be used by people who lack a driver's license, or are intoxicated. Since it is not possible to take control of the car, there is no reason to put any requirements on any of the passengers. Perhaps self driving cars with manual controls will have a locked mode, or something, to also allow this.