Google unveils self-driving car prototype without steering wheel or brake


Google has been working on the self driving car for quite some time (almost four years) now, which means we have come across several speculations. However, today the company is putting a stop on these rumors as it has revealed a prototype of the new self-driving car.

Google Self Driving Car Prototype

Sergey Brin, Google’s co-founder, and the head of Google X, unveiled the prototype of the self driving car at the Recode Code Conference. The car does not have all the basic elements like a steering wheel, brakes, mirrors, gas pedal and gear shift. Driven entirely by computer using a variety of on-board sensors, the two-seater car is built with the help of several car parts suppliers across the globe including heavy use of foam, and an electric motor. Brin added that Google is now producing 100-200 prototypes of the model. Also, initially the cars only drive at a limited speed of 25 miles an hour for safety reasons.

It was inspiring to start with a blank sheet of paper and ask, “What should be different about this kind of vehicle?” We started with the most important thing: safety. They have sensors that remove blind spots, and they can detect objects out to a distance of more than two football fields in all directions, which is especially helpful on busy streets with lots of intersections.

said Chris Urmson, Director, Self-Driving Car Project at Google in the company blog post.

After a pilot program in California, Google says it will develop a broader program with the help of partners, presumably for commercial use. Google has always been a company known for its innovation and revolutionary products like the Google Glass. The Self driving car seems like another step towards using improved technology and application for day-to-day activities.

Take a look at the video of Google’s self-driving car

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqSDWoAhvLU


Author: Sneha Bokil

Sneha Bokil is a tech enthusiast and is currently using OnePlus 3T but she still treasures her Nokia N70 (M). You can follow her on Twitter @snehabokil and on Google+