Munzir HakimiTable of Contents
New Era Ahead
Driverless Car Trials in the UK
A groundbreaking event took place in Milton Keynes, where a driverless car was tested among the public for the first time in the UK. This two-seater electric vehicle traveled a 1km loop around the railway station,marking a significant milestone towards integrating self-driving vehicles into everyday life. The project aims to launch a fleet of 40 pods available for public use next year.
The test involved local dignitaries and media alongside a safety driver ready to take control if necessary.Neil Fulton, program director, emphasized that this presentation is crucial for advancing autonomous vehicles in britain.
Technology behind Autonomy
The vehicle’s autonomy software, named Selenium, was developed by Oxford university’s Robotics Institute and implemented by Oxbotica. Utilizing data from cameras and LIDAR systems, Selenium enables navigation through its environment effectively. Fulton noted that this technology could influence automated vehicles globally and contribute to broader autonomous trials across the UK.
The government is eager to lead in driverless technology development and has initiated consultations on insurance rules and regulations to facilitate their use by 2020. The Milton Keynes trial followed extensive planning involving virtual mapping of the area to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Future Prospects
Business Secretary Greg Clark hailed these trials as evidence of Britain’s innovative edge in technology. He highlighted that there are vast opportunities within the global market for autonomous vehicles which could benefit automotive firms considerably.
other cities like Bristol and London are also preparing for their own driverless car trials soon, indicating an exciting future ahead for transportation innovation across the country.
Final Thoughts
Looking Forward Together
Reference
- BBC News: Driverless car tested on public roads
- Sky News: First public trial of driverless cars takes place
