logo
How does an autonomous car work?

How does an autonomous car work?

From Silicon Valley in the USA to bustling Beijing in China, self-driving cars, especially the ones driven without the assistance of a driver, are popping up everywhere and are considered to be the next big thing in the automobile industry. These self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles (AVs), use a combination of advanced sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-performance computing to navigate roads without human intervention. They rely on multiple technologies, including machine learning, computer vision, and real-time data processing, to perceive their surroundings, make decisions, and drive safely.
The automobile industry currently classifies 6 levels of driving automation ranging from Level 0 (fully manual) to Level 5 (fully autonomous). While the term self-driving is often used interchangeably with autonomous, there is a big difference between the two. A self-driving car can drive itself in some or even all situations, but a human passenger must always be present and ready to take control. Self-driving cars would fall under Level 3 (conditional driving automation) or Level 4 (high driving automation). They are subject to geofencing, unlike a fully autonomous Level 5 car that could go anywhere.
Autonomous cars rely on an array of sensors to build and update a real-time map of their surroundings. Radar sensors track nearby vehicles, while cameras identify traffic signals, interpret road signs, and monitor pedestrians and other cars. Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) technology uses laser pulses to measure distances, detect lane markings, and recognize road boundaries. The Lidar creates high resolution 3D maps of the environment, helping the car detect obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Additionally, ultrasonic sensors near the wheels help with close-range tasks like parking by sensing curbs and adjacent vehicles. Then there are multiple cameras fitted in the car which provides visual data for lane detection, traffic signs, and pedestrian recognition. These cars also have GPS and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). GPS provides location data, while IMU tracks acceleration and rotation. This helps the car in navigation and maintaining the vehicle's position on the map.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How does an autonomous car work?
How does an autonomous car work?

New Indian Express

time2 days ago

  • New Indian Express

How does an autonomous car work?

From Silicon Valley in the USA to bustling Beijing in China, self-driving cars, especially the ones driven without the assistance of a driver, are popping up everywhere and are considered to be the next big thing in the automobile industry. These self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles (AVs), use a combination of advanced sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-performance computing to navigate roads without human intervention. They rely on multiple technologies, including machine learning, computer vision, and real-time data processing, to perceive their surroundings, make decisions, and drive safely. The automobile industry currently classifies 6 levels of driving automation ranging from Level 0 (fully manual) to Level 5 (fully autonomous). While the term self-driving is often used interchangeably with autonomous, there is a big difference between the two. A self-driving car can drive itself in some or even all situations, but a human passenger must always be present and ready to take control. Self-driving cars would fall under Level 3 (conditional driving automation) or Level 4 (high driving automation). They are subject to geofencing, unlike a fully autonomous Level 5 car that could go anywhere. Autonomous cars rely on an array of sensors to build and update a real-time map of their surroundings. Radar sensors track nearby vehicles, while cameras identify traffic signals, interpret road signs, and monitor pedestrians and other cars. Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) technology uses laser pulses to measure distances, detect lane markings, and recognize road boundaries. The Lidar creates high resolution 3D maps of the environment, helping the car detect obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Additionally, ultrasonic sensors near the wheels help with close-range tasks like parking by sensing curbs and adjacent vehicles. Then there are multiple cameras fitted in the car which provides visual data for lane detection, traffic signs, and pedestrian recognition. These cars also have GPS and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). GPS provides location data, while IMU tracks acceleration and rotation. This helps the car in navigation and maintaining the vehicle's position on the map.

Dubai RTA deploys AI robot for metro inspections: Here's what it can really do
Dubai RTA deploys AI robot for metro inspections: Here's what it can really do

Time of India

time3 days ago

  • Time of India

Dubai RTA deploys AI robot for metro inspections: Here's what it can really do

ARIIS, Dubai Metro's new AI robot, uses LiDAR and 3D imaging to inspect tracks without disrupting operations, cutting manual work by 1,700 hours/ Image: RTA Dubai In a major technological breakthrough for urban transportation, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially introduced an AI-powered robotic system to inspect and monitor the Dubai Metro's rail tracks and related infrastructure. The robotic platform, named ARIIS, short for Automated Rail Infrastructure Inspection System, was announced on Thursday as part of RTA's latest move to enhance operational efficiency, ensure safer operations, and maintain Dubai Metro's position as one of the most advanced urban rail systems globally. — rta_dubai (@rta_dubai) From 2,400 to 700 Man-Hours: Efficiency Gets a 75% Boost According to the RTA, the deployment of ARIIS enables a dramatic reduction in human labour. Traditionally, conducting full-scale inspections of Dubai Metro's extensive rail infrastructure required approximately 2,400 man-hours by human personnel. With ARIIS in operation, this number can be slashed to just 700 man-hours, delivering a 75% increase in operational efficiency. In practical terms, this means: Faster inspection cycles, enabling the rail network to be checked more frequently and more thoroughly. Reduction in manual inspections by up to 70%, minimising human error and safety risks. A 40% improvement in assessing infrastructure conditions, thanks to the system's advanced sensor and imaging technologies. This leap in efficiency not only saves time and resources, but also strengthens system reliability by proactively detecting issues before they impact service. What Is ARIIS and How It Works ARIIS is equipped with a suite of advanced technologies designed to function autonomously and without disrupting regular metro operations. These include: LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors: to measure distances with laser precision and create 3D maps of the rail environment. High-resolution lasers: for scanning surface integrity of rails and other components. 3D cameras: that offer comprehensive imaging of track infrastructure. This system navigates the tracks and continuously collects data on rail alignment, wear, vibrations, and structural anomalies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 오스템 임플란트 받아가세요 임플란터 더 알아보기 Undo It allows for real-time analysis and long-term condition monitoring, enabling predictive and proactive maintenance strategies, a feature RTA has emphasised as critical for improving lifecycle performance and reducing emergency repairs. Also read: World's highest metro station to be built on Dubai's new blue line Top Stakeholders Endorse ARIIS for Efficiency Gains The announcement was accompanied by strong endorsements from senior figures at both RTA and Dubai Metro's operating company, Keolis MHI. Speaking to Khaleej Times , Abdul Mohsin Kalbat, CEO of RTA's Rail Agency, expressed pride in Dubai's leadership in transport innovation: 'Dubai is proud to lead in smart solutions to improve reliability and efficiency of Dubai Metro. The introduction of ARIIS represents another significant leap in our journey to maintain our Metro as one of the most advanced and safest public transportation networks globally,' Kalbat said. Echoing this sentiment, David Franks, Managing Director of Keolis MHI, the operating company of Dubai Metro, highlighted how ARIIS changes the maintenance paradigm: 'ARIIS is a milestone achievement, significantly transforming our maintenance operations by improving safety, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making,' Franks said. With ARIIS now in operation, Dubai sets a new regional standard in automated rail maintenance, aligning seamlessly with its smart city ambitions. Read more: All You Need to Know About Dubai Metro's Blue Line: Route, Timings, Capacity

Kodinada-Vazhimukku road devpt: Govt okays 102cr more
Kodinada-Vazhimukku road devpt: Govt okays 102cr more

Time of India

time5 days ago

  • Time of India

Kodinada-Vazhimukku road devpt: Govt okays 102cr more

1 2 3 T'puram: The state govt has sanctioned Rs 102.4 crore as compensation amount for the land to be acquired for the development of the 1.5km Kodinada-Vazhimukku stretch at Balaramapuram, as part of the Karamana-Kaliyikkavila highway project. Finance minister K N Balagopal announced it on Tuesday. A total of Rs 97.6 crore was allocated earlier. Of the total Rs 200 crore, Rs 160 crore has been earmarked for land acquisition and Rs 40 crore for compensation related to structures and buildings to be demolished for the four-lane project. Parassala MLA C K Hareendran, who oversees the project, said the compensation disbursal would begin within a week. "The sanctioned amount will be transferred to the district collector and subsequently to the special tahsildar for the project. We hope to transfer the compensation amount to the landowners' bank accounts within a week," he said. After completing disbursal, the tender for road construction is expected to be invited in July so that construction can start in Sept. Balagopal confirmed that the entire amount required is available now. The Kerala Road Fund Board will serve as the project's implementing agency. To minimize private land acquisition, the state plans to utilize govt land along a 300m stretch near the Thykkapalli mosque, known as the Old Rajapatha. Authorities initially planned to complete the acquisition by Feb this year and commence construction by April, but deadlines were missed. An underpass was also proposed at the congested Balaramapuram Junction, but it was dropped later due to opposition from landowners. Motorists travelling from Parassala and Neyyattinkara to Thiruvananthapuram often face severe congestion at Balaramapuram, which has become a bottleneck. A Kunjalumoodu-based contractor is handling demolition, with buildings being razed at both Balaramapuram and Kodinada ends. Manual survey soon for final phase The state govt is likely to start the manual survey soon for the four-laning of Vazhimukku to Kaliyikkavila stretch on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. The govt issued an order recently in this regard. "The govt has already earmarked Rs 562 crore for the compensation and to survey the land to be acquired on this stretch. Once the construction of the Kodinada-Vazhimukku starts, manual survey will also begin on this stretch. Earlier, a LiDAR survey was conducted, which was found to be ineffective. A manual survey will be more precise. We expect to start acquiring land for the Vazhimukku-Kaliyikkavila before state govt's tenure gets over," Hareendran said. A final decision has been made to widen this stretch to 30.2m and not 30m as proposed earlier.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store