Posted on 01/24/2013 12:36:57 AM PST by Vince Ferrer
Much of the reporting about Googles driverless car has mistakenly focused on its science-fiction feel. In fact, the driverless car has broad implications for society, for the economy and for individual businesses. Just in the U.S., the car puts up for grab some $2 trillion a year in revenue and even more market cap. It creates business opportunities that dwarf Googles current search-based business and unleashes existential challenges to market leaders across numerous industries, including car makers, auto insurers, energy companies and others that share in car-related revenue.
(Excerpt) Read more at forbes.com ...
No damn way I want a driverless car!!!
“This is Google.”
Google is crap!!!
I’ve never bought anthing in my life because of advertising.
I’ve never bought anything in a store that i didn’t go there to specificly buy.
If it isn’t on my list all the bullshit in the world wouldn’t make me look at it or consider buying it.
Is this the cure for women drivers?
"Yes, we can finally feel safe having a computer take us to our destination"
"Wait - What's that on the console?...."
Yeah. Men drivers, too . . .Also the cure for sleepy drivers, drunk drivers . . .
Couldn't say it better.
This is dangerous on so many levels, not the least of which is the erosion of personal freedom. Even some "conservative" FReepers seem to be missing that point.
Our masters want nothing more than a way to track and control the movements of the proletariat. They're constantly agitating for GPS trackers in cars to implement a "tax-by-the-mile" system. The Googlemobile gives them that, and a whole lot more. They are what a tyrant dreams about.
You raise a good point, and I believe you are correct. The one issue I see here is typical humanity - people let their cars go without maintenance until they are too dangerous too drive. I doubt the automated systems will detect loose or broken sway bar links, worn tires, loose ball joints, worn tie rod ends, and so forth. Or maybe they will and prevent the car from being used, but if so, people will be furious that they actually have to fix their cars instead of driving their dangerous sh!t boxes on same roads as me.
When you get to the point where the state will not issue you a driver’s license, you will still be able to get around on your own, or if you have a little too much to drink, you can have the car drive you home. There will always be an on/off switch for the auto-pilot, so you can do it yourself but the possibility of maintaining your freedom to go places when you can’t drive yourself is priceless.
We could also reduce the number of bathrooms by 900%. After all, they are only in use for a few minutes a day...
I’ve worked with robotics and know the cars would be just fine if you can eliminate all the variables that would interfere with them. Unfortunately you can’t eliminate the variables without putting dedicated roads inside sealed concrete tubes.
Well, it could eliminate DWA’s.
I think we need to get rid of most of the safety equipment on cars and learn to drive again.
Wouldn’t mind a self-driving car on the Interstate, assuming it can dodge crap like tires, deal with accidents and traffic jams, etc.
Once I get off, though, I want control.
You could also pack a car full of explosives and send it on its way. It would be an undetectable 70mph cruise missile.
Must my 16 year old car ask my permission to go for a simple joyride in the country? Or will it sneak off with its friends by itself? I’d sure like to know who his friends are. I doubt I have to worry about my ancient Explorer meeting up with younger Prius’ at Lover’s Lane.
When Big Bro dictates you SHALL purchase a driverless car, it's a small step to telling you WHAT CAREER you shall have and WHEN you will report to work.
I worked in Red China almost 30 years ago and my interpreter was a violin genius, capable of playing in any philharmonic in the world. The STATE in its wisdom said there were no such jobs required in China and he would therefore be an interpreter for life.
Or will it just cost trillions?
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