(04-02-2018, 11:38 PM)B2hibry Wrote:

(04-02-2018, 09:53 PM)Sneakers Wrote: There is a vast difference between mapping a road for informational purposes and creating a sensor array capable of the degree of precision necessary to operate an automobile, even in  perfect conditions.  

How many sensors per mile do you anticipate this requiring? Where are they placed?  Are they powered?  If so, how?

ZWhat happens when a sensor fails?  What is the fault-free life cycle of a sensor?  

How is the sensitivity affected by weather? What happens when they're covered in snow or ice?  Would an earthquake in San Francisco send every car off the road?  

How will the self driving car recognize a human directing traffic?  Will it stop for a child running into the street?

You realize that multiple technologies and various forms of information are combined to achieve the task, right? Do you realize sensors are already placed in many roads for traffic coordination? How about solar powered lights embedded in pavement as directional markers? Cars are already gps enabled. Wifi enabled. Have automatic break features. Automatic parking, etc. You have a lot of concerns but none that haven’t been addressed with existing technology. None mentioned are impossible hurdles. Universities and States are working through smart infrastructure.

https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news...k-for.html

I'm familiar with the technical aspect, but I note that you haven't answered any of the questions posed, beyond stating that the necessary technology currently exists.  Are you forgetting that it was a failure in that very technology that lead to this discussion/debate?  

My point, which you appear to be ignoring, is that the precision required for "traffic coordination" is not remotely adequate for total vehicle control, especially under less than optimal conditions.  Are you ready to trust your life to a solar powered sensor that a ten ton snowplow just scraped over?  GPS is great, but try taking the number off your mailbox and waiting for a pizza.

The SunTrax facility will be a great testing ground and I'm looking forward to seeing the results generated.  With positive results, the next step would be similar testing in winter conditions.  Until then, we're (literally and figuratively) a million miles away.

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