Ensuring that autonomous vehicles are still safe when things go wrong.
IN November last year, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan unveiled plans to roll out self-driving buses in Punggol, Tengah and the Jurong Innovation District by 2022. That the news came just a week after an MRT collision was not lost on those who read it.
As always, netizens were quick to poke fun at Singapore’s seemingly lofty plans to have autonomous vehicles on the road, when its trains – with drivers – were running into each other on dedicated and segregated tracks.
It is an understandable reaction. And beneath that veneer of mockery lies a real worry about the potential chaos that driverless vehicles can potentially give rise to.
Is this kind of reaction justified? Yes and no. No because autonomous road vehicles are far more sophisticated than rail systems, which remain largely unchanged from over a century ago.
There are a lot more sensors on a driverless car, comprising cameras, radar, laser and GPS – all tied to powerful processors worthy of a deep space expedition. Understandably so, since an autonomous vehicle has to navigate an infinite combination of situations and circumstances.
These processors then control the vehicle’s throttle, steering and brakes. They can also be programmed to take on discretionary functions such as activating the horn, foglamps or hazard lights.
Esta historia es de la edición January 2018 de Torque Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición January 2018 de Torque Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
The Power Of Toys
When it comes to challenging gender stereotypes, there is more to toys than meets the eye.
Porsche 911- Eighth Wonder
Now in its eighth generation, the iconic Porsche 911 boasts even greater performance and driveability. It’s surprisingly more civilised, too.
Cool Camry - Toyota's New Large Saloon Is Surprisingly Snazzy
Forget about describing it as an “uncle’s” car – the striking new Toyota Camry is no longer a fuddy-duddy.
Mercedes Cabriolet - A Topless Star
The new C-Class Cabriolet impresses drivers with its sporty yet cosseting character.
Pushy Pussycat
Jaguar’s fiercest feline is even more assertive in SVR specification.
Diesel Cars In Singapore
PROBIN DASS I enjoy reading your magazine whenever I get my hands on a copy.
Ralf Lenninger
HEAD OF INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT SYSTEMS BUSINESS UNIT CONTINENTAL
Carbon Conundrum
Could the Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES) lead to a paradox of cleaner cars which are less efficient?
Tarmac Memories
Edric recalls his good times on a road that will soon disappear.
The Rewards Of Progress
THE VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT IS AN EXECUTIVE SALOON THAT RIVALS LUXURY MODELS.