Scientists from Oxford University have been active in the development of low-cost autopilot for civilian cars. Over the next 10 years the specialists intend to introduce a device that will cost about 150 dollars. It is reported The Telegraph.
The development is quite simple and is based
on the work of several lasers in front of the car, and rooftop cameras. The
system is able to generate a 3D image of the surrounding area, as well as
recognize objects, including pedestrians. Data is collected and stored, thus,
again hitting the same town car will be able to ride alone, but it will
distinguish and new objects.
"Our cities are not too fast, so the
robotic vehicles will have the ability to recognize familiar buildings and
objects and, consequently, will be able to" say "driver:" I know
this road and can take you there, "said one of the project developers Paul
Newman.
Currently, scientists are engaged in
negotiations with the Ministry of transport the UK and hope to get the
opportunity to test their design in the "field" conditions on public
roads.
This is not the first
development in the area of automotive autopilots. In particular, similar
devices are Audi, Volvo, Cadillac, Continental, BMW, Volkswagen, Toyota and
Google.