Automotive
analysts say self-driving cars could become widespread realities in a
relatively short amount of time.
Self-driving
cars are often suggested as a solution for people who aren't able to drive
themselves or as a way of reducing accidents. However, there are several
challenges and kinks that need to be worked out before these cars become
mainstream.
Let's
take a look.
Self-Driving Cars
Are Enticing to Hackers
You
may have seen theory-based articles where the writers put forth an argument
that self-driving cars would be tempting targets for hackers, and if the
hackers were successful in their quests, the results could be catastrophic.
Although these pieces provide food for thought, they often weren't enough to
make people truly concerned just yet.
However,
a group of researchers from Virginia were tasked with seeing how easy it would
truly be to break into the
system
of a driverless car, and what could be accomplished afterward.
The
team concluded it was simple to hack components of the cars, such as those that
control acceleration and braking. But, with their research, companies are
developing real-time preventative solutions. Hopefully since they are already
working so hard on the safeguards now, those efforts may make these innovative
vehicles less tempting for conniving hackers later.
Ethical Concerns
Have Been Raised
There
are a number of ethical dilemmas related to
self-driving cars.
For example, Isaac Asimov introduced some laws related to robotics in 1942. The
first two state that robots must not allow humans to be harmed, and they must
follow the instructions programmed into them - unless those commands conflict
with the law about harm.
Some
people, then, wonder if that means robots would be able to override programming
if they could somehow recognize doing so would save at least one life. It's
also been proposed perhaps a driver could be at risk of mortal peril if the car
had the option to do something that might save a life at the driver's expense.
Although
it's too early to say with certainty how the self-driving cars would behave in
such hypothetical situations, some individuals are still fearful. That's
especially true considering some people are
resistant
to new modes of transportation, especially if they are not in control of them.
These Vehicles May
Be Too Expensive for Average Incomes
Although
it has been said that some of the parts within driverless cars aren't very
expensive to produce, experts who have thought about the matter at length say
it'll still be a long time until auto manufacturers will be able to figure out how to make the
cars cheaply enough.
Some individuals believe the sensors and electronics alone could cost $100,000.
That
huge figure offers solid proof of why some people are hesitant to believe
driverless cars will be heavily populating our roads anytime soon. Prices for
parts tend to go down over time, but if the inner workings of these vehicles
really will be so costly, it's clear automakers will have a tough time
marketing the vehicles to the correct segment of the target audience in order
to be profitable.
Although
the cars might be within the realm of possibility as far as being produced,
they'd be simply out of reach for most people who might like to buy them.
The
cost concern likely also won't encourage those who may be reluctant to try
unfamiliar things. Individuals who have been in self-driving cars generally
gave good feedback and found the experience was not as scary as they might have
imagined. However, if the price tag for these cars is too high, consumers might
be discouraged from even going for test drives.
These
are several concerns that have been proposed in relation to self-driving cars,
but they surely won't be the only ones that arise. Hopefully, as time passes
and there are continual improvements made in technology and engineering, some
of these obstacles might be overcome.
##
Kayla Matthews is a tech-loving blogger who writes and edits
ProductivityBytes.com.
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