After half a decade of hard times, US car manufacturers sold more automobiles last year to American customers than ever before. The cars Americans are driving are more fuel-efficient and typically loaded with electronic devices. But within a decade, manufacturers say drivers should expect semi-autonomous and fully autonomous cars that will make driving safer and less tiring.
In 2004 US military research agency DARPA challenged automotive engineers to try to build a self-driving car. Though the course had only simple obstacles and no other traffic, none of the vehicles reached the end.
Twelve years later the technology has advanced so far that manufacturers are testing it on roads with real traffic, trying to make it absolutely safe for both passengers and pedestrians.
“I figured if I was able to make a car that was smart enough to drive itself, I could probably make a car that was smart enough to be a bit safer. So from my perspective, safety has always been our priority," said Ford's James McBride.
Google admits that its experimental self-driving cars have had some close calls, but points out that in late 2014 incidents happened once every 1,300 kilometers, while last year they happened once every 8,500 kilometers.
And it's not just about the safety, manufacturers also have to make sure consumers are willing to let go of the wheel.
“We don't want to go too far too fast because the customer may not be expecting that. There's a learning curve that has to take place," said Kia's Joseph Steffey.
One thing that can help customers get used to not being in control is the driving simulator. Wearing virtual reality goggles drivers can experience the sensation of being passive behind the steering wheel.
Some cars are already equipped with electronics stemming from the DARPA Grand Challenge, such as laser proximity sensors, video cameras, lane-change warning lights and other devices.
Researchers say future cars will also be able to communicate with the world around them, such as pedestrians’ smart phones.
“We can see where that pedestrian is walking, and then we can actually pick them up if they walk out in front of the car, and the car will choose to stop," said Steffey.
Experts say that safe and affordable self-driving cars should be available to the average consumer within four to five years.
Vocabulary:
self-driving car: 自动驾驶汽车
国内英语资讯:New cargo train services launched between China, SCO countries
About Longevity 长寿
家乡变了
端午节的起源
与袁隆平爷爷面对面
四季家乡
风的传奇
你知道这些是什么花吗?
送“神五”升空的长二F型火箭
在记忆深处消逝
乡水悠悠让我陶醉
体坛英语资讯:PSG see off Dortmund 2-0 to reach Champions League last 8
诗中春夏秋冬
渔人和沙丁鱼
国际英语资讯:Japan govt submits reworked extra budget to mitigate virus economic blow
中国古典诗词中的梅花形象
“生态赤字”与科学双刃剑
独上高楼
体坛英语资讯:Kenyas Rudisha pushes for return to Olympic Games
一份宝贵的精神文化遗产
国际英语资讯:UK government announces new loan scheme for small businesses amid coronavirus crisis
国际英语资讯:Spotlight: Global COVID-19 cases top 3 mln, U.S. economic outlook darkens
某些人跟你说Good luck with that,才不是祝愿你!
一条沙丁鱼的独白
国内英语资讯:China urges U.S. to respond to concerns of its people, world on epidemic
夫妻之间理财观念不一致怎么办?
体坛英语资讯:Two more Chinese boxers secure places at Tokyo Olympics
Lost cause? 成功无望
海南临高方言趣谈
国际英语资讯:1st LD Writethru: Global COVID-19 cases top 3 mln -- Johns Hopkins University
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |