MAIN FEATURES
LiDAR (Light Detection and Radar) Top camera Side and front radars Lasers GPS and highly accurate maps Two motors for override driving Emergency seat belt Slows down/stops when it detects
possible hazards
BENEFITS
“Defensive Driving” philosophy Driving limit – 25 mph
Impact of 25 mph is half of 35 mph Compressible foam and flexible windshield Increased independence for the elderly and the blind
NEWEST PROTOTYPE
Limited to testing/operation in California Can be summoned with smartphone Completely automated
“Start” and “Stop” buttons Can see up to 600 feet in each direction Not intended to replace personal vehicles
Improve family driving arrangements Replace taxis
Imitates human driving Better leverage when facing unrecognized objects
WHAT NEEDS WILL IT FILL?
Safety
33,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations due to car accidents
90% of accidents caused by human error
Mobility
15-21 year olds 65+ year olds Disabled people
Time-Saving
Commuting time (100+ hours/year) Time spent in traffic (average of 38
hours/year)
Cheaper Cars
Google wants this car to be affordable No price estimate as of yet
PRIMARY TARGET AUDIENCE
“The project is about changing the world for people who are not well-served by transportation today. There are many people underserved by transportation today (the elderly, a lack of cabs and buses in some places). Look at people too young, old or disabled who can’t get around. It’s an issue and a real challenge for them.“
- Sergey Brin, Google co-founder
BABY BOOMERS
2050: 20% of the population will 65+ years old Interested in technology Have money to spend
ADDITIONAL AUDIENCES
Younger Generation
Car crashes are the number one cause of death for those 25 and under
Minimum driving age of 19 in certain countries
Blind and Disabled People
Public transportation is not as developed everywhere
COMPETING CARS
Volvo S60
Pedestrian detectors
Infiniti M
Blind Spot Warning - car uses the lane markers to maintain the stability and route of the car, even while crossing lanes to take over with any input of the driverLexus LS
Adaptive cruise control Advanced pre-collision system
Detects pedestrians and non metallic objects
SOFTWARE V. HARDWARE
Complex radar system 3D imaging Maps
Competitors
Cutting-edge technology Constantly innovating their technology
Guide the car Cost effective
ISSUES TO OVERCOME
Technological issues: Only a few thousand miles programmed into maps Limited performance in snow and heavy rain Trouble identifying potholes and manholes
Chris Urmson Personal release date in five years
Extensive mapping Constant updates Solve problems with snow and heavy rain
TECHNOLOGICAL
High dependence on pre-loaded maps Parking difficulties Difficulty in snow or heavy rain Unable to recognize pot holes or manholes Responds with equal levels of caution regardless of obstacle Constant map updating Steering wheel – not completely automatic Interference of strong sunlight Only detects moving individuals Cannot make “smart moves” in relation to oncoming traffic and other hazards
LEGAL
Illegal to drive or test driverless cars without an override system Department of Motor Vehicles
Amend driving regulations Amend laws and regulations that determine responsibility in accidents Registering the car and licensing the “driver”
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