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"There's a tendency to think that maybe if we can just throw enough hardware at the AI problem, then evolution can take care of the rest. Certainly that's how God went about making us."
- Rudy Rucker
 |
| Driverless Drones | ||
| One remote supervisor can drive a half-dozen drones, with some computer assistance. |
Halting State presents a completely doable version of the driverless vehicle.
| A fleet of driverless BMW SUVs appear, bouncing slowly over the traffic pillows and pull in next to you, flagrantly ingnoring the red route markings and security notices. They've got diplomatic plates. Doors spring open, and you find yourself gently inserted into the empty driver's seat of the third vehicle as Liz and the leader of the hit squad slide in the back. The steering wheel twitches hesitantly, then as the doors click shut it spins hard over and the yuppiemobile accelerates fast. You try not to shudder. You hate the whole idea that some bored drone pusher in a remote driving centre has got your life - and half a dozen other lives - in his hands. At least on the motorways the cars steer themselves, that's within the capabilities of today's AI. |
| From Halting State,
by Charles Stross. Published by Ace in 2007 Additional resources -
|
A bit later on, you get some idea of what the drone supervisor has to see with.
The idea of a car that can steer itself on special highways is seen in Robert Heinlein's 1941 novel Methuselah's Children; see the entry for Camden speedster.
Here's a quick list of articles demonstrating the progress that is being made towards the goal of driverless cars.
There are probably webcams in the headlight and brake light assemblies; you certainly hope your driver can see better than you can."
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