Review Your Cars

Autonomous cars are robots. Large, heavy, powerful and fast robots. Initially inspired by science fiction author Isaac Asimov’s Laws of Robotics, there are far more laws that are needed due to the nature of a vehicle and today's litigious society. Not only must occupants and pedestrians be protected, but the manufacturer must be as well. The laws are to address the concerns of protection from bodily harm, disclosing information and protecting the manufacturer. The 17 Laws of Autonomous Cars: 1. A vehicle may not harm its occupant(s) or pedestrian(s) by intended action or inaction. 2. A vehicle may not exceed the posted speed limits, nor drive under the speed limit unless safe to do so. 3. A vehicle’s speed may not exceed the threshold braking distance to a hazard. 4. A vehicle may not leave the roadway during an emergency maneuver unless clear of objects. 5. A vehicle will prioritize the safety of its occupants over animals and will utilize contact with fixed objects if necessary t...

Driving aspects of the Autonomous Car are varied and far reaching. Below are numerous considerations that must be accounted for. Commuting: Commuting not only will take on an entirely new look, but the Auto/Ecars will also have complex human g-force tolerance software code. Of course, excessive tire wear would be avoided. The Auto/Ecars will be all about efficiency unless having allowed exceptions. For example, during rush hour, the vehicles will be closely spaced together for reduced travel times and space efficiency. This not only can be visually uncomfortable for some, but will exceptions or levels be programmed for sightseeing or comfort levels? The already ridiculous carpool/HOV lanes that essentially force the majority of vehicles into less lanes will require a serious re-think and hopefully an early abolishment. The intelligence grid will have to allow the Auto/Ecars to access the lane for efficiency, especially if there is an accident or hazard in another lane. The most efficie...

Transportation as we know it will be radically changing in the next few decades. The autonomous automobile is going to forever change the driving arena. This two-part series discusses implications and raises questions and theories of the impact to all of our lives. There are a myriad of issues the public may not have considered before. However, behind the scenes great minds are formulating the technology and procedures to bring this new age of transportation. The AutoCar/Ecar/iCar will be a fully automated transportation device with a host of external AND internal monitoring systems. Take all this in, and start thinking how the non-AutoCar/Ecar owner will be incorporated and accepted. New rules and operating laws will be written all in the name of safety and efficiency. Current safety concerns will potentially plummet if interface and programming is done correctly. The fatality rate will eventually be below the airline industry. Will all the benefits cause a prejudice against the indep...