An autonomous car refers to a vehicle that is able to ‘sense’ its environment and operate accordingly, without requiring human intervention. In such cars, no effort is needed from the driver to control the vehicle, at any point of time. The best thing about the technology is the fact that an autonomous car can also go anywhere traditional cars can and can also do everything that an efficient driver may.
How Does an Autonomous Car Work?
These cars primarily work with the use of a number of sensors in different places. They also consist of actuators, complex algorithms, machine learning systems, and very powerful processors that can execute the necessary software. An autonomous car creates a clear map of its surroundings using these sensors and then keeps following it. Some of the various types of sensors that you can find in autonomous cars include:
Radar sensors that are used for constantly monitoring the positions of nearby vehicles.
Video cameras for detect and analysing traffic lights and road signs. These cameras can also track pedestrian movement on the road as well as that of other vehicles.
Lidar sensors measure distances, detect the edges of the road and identify lane markings by bouncing pulses of light off the car’s surroundings.
The wheels include ultrasonic sensors, which are used to detect curbs and other vehicles at the time of parking the car.
An advanced software processes all the sensory input received and sends out relevant instructions to the actuators. This helps control the acceleration, braking, and steering of the car.
Autonomous Vs Automated Vs Self-driving Cars
Many people use the terms autonomous cars and automated or self-driving cars interchangeably. However, both are quite different from each other.
An autonomous car is self-aware and can make its own decisions as and when required. On the other hand, an automated car will follow the orders you provide and then drive accordingly. So, while a self-driving car can drive independently, human involvement is always required. A human passenger must be present in the car at all times, ready to take control if the need arises.
In recent times, the concept of autonomous cars has significantly reshaped the focus of the automotive industry. There are a number of automotive equipment manufacturers in India that are introducing new and innovative technologies that take us closer to the future by the day.