Looking for the first car autopilot features

Driverless cars may be closer to become reality, thanks to Cruise Automation’s new accessory. Recently, many companies have worked on developing technology that will allow cars to drive themselves. The project most in the media spotlight is Google’s project to create its own driverless cars.

However, these cars will be difficult for most people to afford once they hit the market. Cruise Automation has come up with a much simpler, and a slightly less expensive, option: an accessory to strap on the car. Its $10,000 price might still make it difficult for many people to purchase, but it is still more affordable option than a brand new, high-tech car.

What is Cruise Automation?

Cruise Automation, based in San Francisco, is a startup with an idea of how to bring driverless vehicles to the streets much faster by installing a simple accessory. The company began in November 2013 to develop its technology for a driverless vehicle.

Currently, the system is only compatible with Audi A4 and S4 vehicles. However, Cruise is working on expanding to other vehicle makes and models. Cruise might choose to work on a model that works independent of manufacturers, especially as it can take three to five years to create a model with each manufacturer.

How does it Work?

Cruise Automation works similarly to cruise control, but with sensors to do more than just maintain speed. The Cruise Automation accessory attaches sensors to the roof of the vehicle, a computer system in the trunk to process sensory data, and actuators that fit on the pedals and steering wheel.

Currently, the system only works on the highway, but Cruise Automation hopes to continue to develop the technology so it can do even more. Once a driver is on the highway and in a particular lane, he or she simply pushes a button. The system takes over the control of the steering, acceleration and brakes, and will avoid obstacles and turn when needed. When the driver wants to take back the control over the system, they just have to turn it off by either tapping the gas pedal or taking control of the wheel. Drivers still need to pay attention to the road to ensure safety.

Can it Work in Traffic?

Although Cruise Automation was developed as a way to make driving safer, since around 90 percent of accidents are due to human error, most consumers want autopilot features so they can easily, and safely, multitask while driving, especially when they are stuck in traffic during long commutes to work.

Although Cruise Automation can drive the car, at this stage it is not made to drive the car in traffic. The tests have focused on highway driving, and in most tests, the researchers have only been hands-free for 30 seconds to 10 minutes. For now, it is like a more advanced version of cruise control, but it has promises to develop into something more.

Still in its Testing Phase

Cruise Automation is still testing its product, although it has 50 units available for preorder, which will be installed in early 2015. Certain functions still need to be worked on and tested, including making adjustments so that the cars will avoid other cars.

They company has plans to continue testing the product and making adjustments for at least six to nine months. They want to ensure that it is completely safe before the first units are installed into vehicles.

Cruise Automation’s accessory may not completely replace the driver, but it has quickly made advances, making it to the stage of working prototype after only seven months. The company promises to continue to make even more advances in creating driverless cars.

photo credit: OSX via photopin cc