Ten years ago, we did not talk much about autonomous cars or autonomous cars, but Toyota and Lexus were preparing the ground with their cars -parking cars. They aired TV commercials showing how cars parachuted like magic. It was before any mention of the first iPhone or Android. At the time, it seemed incredible, but it was nothing compared to what was coming.
The self-parking revolution that has spread in the automotive industry over the last decade is now expanding. There is more technology in cars today than ever: navigation systems, automatic updates downloaded wirelessly on the dashboard, WiFi in the cabin and much more.
Levels of autonomous driving
The market for autonomous cars, or autonomous cars, is going to be huge, but it will develop in stages. Cars with these technologies will run at different levels and at different times. However, there is a problem with the terminology. The terms "self-driving" and "self-sustaining" are often used vaguely, but they mean different things. It will take time for these high-tech cars to arrive, and it will be a phased deployment.
Some cars will be completely autonomous – you'll be able to read, work or even take a nap during a trip. It will still take some time before they are widely available. Other cars will have some useful features, but drivers will have to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the steering wheel. Some cars will be limited to doing a few things on their own – like parking. Yet, they are all considered "autonomous" vehicles.
Some of these technologies are already available or ready to be deployed. Others will need infrastructure – things like sensors on the roads, updated satellites and wireless systems. This means that businesses, cities and governments will need to invest in their roads and technologies over the long term.
Opportunities for growth
This exciting new driving driving space relies heavily on artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, wireless technology and the cloud. Car manufacturers will blow their autonomous horns as hard as they can to draw attention to themselves with customers and investors. This could lead to some confusion. Companies will probably use the same terminology in marketing many different offers.
The self-driving trend represents a huge growth opportunity for the wireless industry – for operators like AT & T Mobility, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile and Sprint, and handset manufacturers like Apple, Google, Samsung, Xiaomi, Sony, LG, HTC and others.
It will be up to consumers to understand what this revolution means for every company, every car and every person. If you equip five different manufacturers and cars, you will have five different technologies to understand. You will need to educate yourself if you want to understand the different options for next-generation autonomous driving.
Auto safety driving decisions
A question that will require a lot of comfort is security.
For example, if an accident involving self-driving is unavoidable, how does artificial intelligence determine which maneuver would be the least harmful? Motorists are already faced with this dilemma, sometimes with a few seconds to decide. Are we ready to put this decision of life and death back to technology?
Ready or not, autonomous cars arrive. Fortunes will be made and the technology will advance. As they unfold, some will be much more advanced than others, and questions that we would not have thought of will emerge as this industry develops.
In the early years, all that a company will have to say, is that it is found in self-driving or in an autonomous driving area, and that It will attract investors and workers. Over time, as we all become smarter about it, the actors will stand out from the talkers. At this moment, we are still at the stage of the discussion.
Jeff Kagan has been a columnist for the ECT News Network since 2010. He focuses on the wireless and telecommunications industries. He is an independent
analyst, consultant and speaker.
Email Jeff.