Despite the grand implications of the term, an 'autonomous car' is composed of numerous smaller subsystems, all of which are driven by AI. Let's explore some examples.
Blind Spot Detection: This feature assists drivers by signaling a light or sound when other vehicles are in their blind spots. The more advanced versions of this system can even prevent you from changing lanes if it detects another car on the nearby road.
Lane Keeping Assist: This system uses cameras to detect the lines on the road and automatically adjusts the driving path to ensure that your car stays within the lanes.
Traffic Sign Recognition: This feature can recognize road signs, such as speed limits, and adjust the car's speed accordingly. The system has evolved significantly over time. Initially, there were situations where it would pick up the speed limit from a freeway exit, even though the driver wasn’t planning to exit.
Now, in addition to recognizing speed limits and adjusting accordingly, these systems can also identify who has the right of way at an intersection and know how to behave, for example, at a subordinate intersection.
Danger Detection: and let's be honest; not everyone behaves perfectly at intersections. :) That's why new cars have systems that react to danger when someone else doesn't follow the rules. They can brake the car when someone else runs a stop sign. Combined with AI algorithms, 360 cameras and sensors around the vehicle can detect potential risks like pedestrians darting into the road.
However, these systems have their glitches. An issue known as phantom braking is where AI-based driver-assistance systems may misinterpret a harmless object, like a shadow or an overhead sign, as a potential threat and abruptly apply the brakes. While these systems have improved significantly over time, it underscores the need for continuous refinement to balance the sensitivity of AI systems, ensuring they can accurately differentiate between real threats and harmless objects.
Driver Fatigue Detection: Modern cars have systems that closely monitor driver behavior, noting erratic steering wheel movements, pedal use, lane deviations (in tandem with Lane Assist), and even changes in blink frequency. This way, the car can estimate when you're starting to feel drowsy and suggest you take a break.
Automated Parking: Some models, like Tesla, allow for entirely autonomous parking, where you can get out of the car and ask it to find a spot and park. More traditional systems will detect if your car fits in a parallel parking spot, notify you, and then park the car. This AI algorithm relies on visual sensors and can judge distances to build a model of the world and decide whether to park.
Voice control: With the help of AI, you can control various functions in your car without taking your hands off the wheel. Voice control systems can understand and respond to multiple commands, from adjusting the air conditioning or radio volume to helping you navigate to your next destination.
Predictive Maintenance: Some car manufacturers have systems that can predict when service will be needed. They collect data from various car sensors to notify the driver when maintenance is required.
Adaptive Cruise Control: AI-Based Cruise Control allows you to set your speed and maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. The system adjusts the speed based on the car's speed in front, making it an upgrade on traditional cruise control, which can only set a specific pace and stick to it regardless of road conditions.
