Google takes the driving seat

02/03/2011

It's been known for some time that Google has been working on automatic driving technology, but it was at recent TED 2011 conference that the public finally got a chance to try out this latest development out for themselves.

The curious were treated to a quick drive around a deserted carpark, with no steering wheel available to them (but a safety driver on hand at all times). They also got to see a video of the car driven on a public road with all manner of hazards to overcome – including leaping deer and large trucks.

Google envisions a future where drivers simply input their destination into a computer and the car drives them there – reportedly they have already travelled from San Francisco to Los Angeles in this manner.

Google wants "to help prevent traffic accidents, free up people's time and reduce carbon emissions by fundamentally changing car use", and although it will be a long time before we see any results of this research on the market, it's hugely exciting to see what could be the next evolution in everyday automobile technology in such raw form.

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