This thread was inspired by a news article I read, following progress that Apple had made into their own research for the driverless vehicle platform.
A paper was released on the 17th November by arXiv, when Apple computer scientists discussed advancements they had made in being able to detect 3-d objects.
From CNBC:
Current object detection systems rely on "LiDAR" technology. This works by shining light onto a surface and measuring how long it takes to return in order to figure out how far an object is and create an image of its shape.
But LiDAR alone can make detecting small objects that are far away difficult without an additional camera. Apple's researchers argue a LiDAR and camera-based solution could be difficult to deploy in many situations and it could be "more sensitive to sensor failure."
Instead, Apple's computer scientists propose a LiDAR-only detection method that they dub "VoxelNet". The solution uses complex computer vision and artificial intelligence to carry out this function.
CNBC explains relatively well the current object detection system, LiDAR, and the Apple scientists' proposed VoxelNet.
VoxelNet uses 'complex computer vision' and some AI to carry out its tasks and functions.
It was at this moment I wondered 'are we ready for driverless and automated vehicles?'
I believe this is incredible technology, and I think it could be utilised well in the form of a driverless car or van.
But I'm not sure if the world is ready for such technology.
Could such an incredible advancement in this field be dangerous?
Leslie Hook of the Financial Times has proposed a simple, yet thought proving question:
From the Financial Times:
I thought back on that ride when Waymo, the self-driving unit of Alphabet, announced this month that it was removing the drivers from its cars in Phoenix. These cars are truly driverless, with no one to turn the wheel if the machine veers off course. Whether it is Waymo’s advanced vehicles or a student project, both face the same question — who gets to decide when they are safe enough to drive themselves?
And on that note, I'm going to wrap up.
Leave your thoughts below, it would be interesting to see what you think of this new advancement in the automobile industry.