Communications of the ACM
Robot Car to Cut Jams & Crashes
The Wildcat vehicle with mounted sensors such as cameras, radars, and lasers is currently being tested at the Oxford University's Begbroke Science Park.
Credit: University of Oxford
Oxford University researchers have installed robotic technology in a Wildcat vehicle built by BAE Systems that transforms the vehicle into an autonomous car. The researchers say the technology makes navigation more precise, reduces emissions, responds to local traffic conditions, tracks driving risks, and autonomously drives the vehicle.
Smart and fast processing of driving-related data gathered by the car is the heart of the technology. The Wildcat vehicle includes sensors that use cameras, radar, and lasers to interpret the enormous amount of data. "We need cars that do the thinking and concentrating for you, cars that do not insist you do the driving all the time," says Oxford professor Paul Newman. "Our long-term aim is to enable a new generation of robotic vehicles that can make the roads safer, less congested, cleaner, and personal transport more accessible." The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and Nissan are supporting the research.
"Only by understanding its environment can an autonomous vehicle genuinely drive itself, safely, without the need for human intervention," Newman says.
From University of Oxford
View Full Article
Abstracts Copyright © 2011 Information Inc., Bethesda, Maryland, USA
No entries found