By Joseph B. White
September 10, 2013
Ever since I was ten years old, I dreamt of having a driver’s
license and driving my own car. This is true for any teenager in the United
States, if not the world. Having heard that Google was about to produce
manufacture it’s first driverless car, it was quite disappointing. Joseph White
of the Wall Street Journal reported that Mercedes –Benz has manufactured the S 500 series, which drove
itself from Mannheim to Pforzheim in
Germany. This model used a sophisticated
navigation system, which allowed the car to find it’s way on public road. Mercedes
used sensors similar to those already used in their S-class models.
Additionally, Mercedes has added a color camera mounted behind the windshield,
that could read stoplights, long-range radars to detect oncoming vehicles, a
stereo camera with two lenses set apart to function like human eyes in order to
detect distant objects, and a rear-facing camera to spot landmarks. This idea would particularly be beneficial for disabled people , who are currently
dependent on others to drive them around. Another beneficiary group could be
the elderly , who cannot drive after a certain age. However, it is not imaginable
for a young person to give up the pleasure of driving a vehicle
for the first time and being independent.
There can be varying views and opinions on the driverless cars. One can think it is productive while another, mostly teenagers, may see it as stripping them of an experience or important part of their lives. Considering the self-driving car is a new development and work in progress, it will not yet replace normal cars. The advancements however can drastically benefit those who are disabled or old. The evolution in technology of cars should be seen as a positive improvement, since it can help many people live an easier and normal life. Jacqueline did a wonderful job in tying our generation to the advancement.
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ReplyDeleteAlthough driving does get tiring after a while, this new vehicle could be dangerous. Who knows what malfunctions it could have or what kind of defects could happen while driving? Disabled people should stay dependent on other people driving them around only for their safety. It is a huge innovative idea, but it seems too hazardous to have. Wonderful job on the article Jacqueline!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a wonderful portrayal of the advancement of technology in society nowadays. A driverless car truly brings insight to the progression and development of oncoming future advancements. A whole new highly developed world awaits. It also is a fearful idea to grasp onto, since humans are so accustomed to being in charge. Robotics and innovative machinery shape the world around modern civilizations. Brilliant work, Jacqueline!
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting new invention. It is certainly not what one would ever think would come about. This just shows how advanced technology is getting. Although this invention does not seem like something that would be successful right away. It is something that needs to be tested over and over, until people are sure it will have no dangerous malfunctions.
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree with Jacqueline! As high-tech and marvelous this independent car seems it is guaranteed most teenagers would not give up the new opportunity and experience of driving by themselves. This car seems more efficient when used by the disabled and elderly who are no longer capable of driving as Jacqueline mentioned. Splendid work!
ReplyDeleteIt is astonishing how there are such new and useful technological advancements at such a rapid pace. No doubt that our civilization has become so advanced compared to its beginning. Fire is no more the pivotal technology of society, but the self-navigating automobile is. There are questions that only time can answer. When does advancement end? Is this advancement and other advancements like it good or bad for society?
ReplyDeleteThe discovery of self driven cars is both exciting and disappointing, making those new learning drivers hopeless that their privilege they have all been waiting for is being taken away. It is as well interesting wondering what the outcome of this extremely difficult task will be. Great topic choice, Jacqueline.
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