Thanks for sharing this, DukeW. I hadn't heard anything about the work Volvo had been doing on this, and it sounds super-exciting. After reading your post, I did a quick search and read about the project's test in Barcelona. The road train traveled 120 miles autonomously; way cool! Volvo's also tested it in Chlle.
Leave it to our friends at Volvo, who have been working on this very issue for years now. They have demonstrated, in live traffic, their concept of a "road train," in which cars can come and go by attaching themselves electronically to a lead vehicle (a heavy truck in Volvo's test, but that can and probably will change). The lead vehicle's driver keeps the train moving, and communications between the cars keeps them at a safe speed and distance, completely without manual intervention beyond pushing a button. When they want to join, they just roll up and request a spot, and the computers take over, easing the car into line and getting everything lined up neatly. When you want to leave the train, just push the button again, and you're eased out and gently releaed only when you signal you're ready to take control. Slick, safe, and a lot closer to reality than anybody thought. Yet another Swedish Surprise....
As Mitch has pointed out to me before, single passengers in robo-cars shouldn't present a problem in many states, but in urban areas like New York the congestion would be horrible.
I like the fact you've taken into account the fact that people typically prefer -- or seem to prefer - riding alone. That's something that has stymied city planners for so long. Sure, many urban areas have successful subways and buses, but more areas don't. And car-share plans have limited success, often doing okay during gas shortages or price surges, and then falling by the wayside as soon as everything nornalizes. I don't know that people will ever rush to adopt car pooling, and this futuristic tale doesn't force people into what is, apparently, unnatural behavior. Based on your blog, the robo-cars could really be powered by whatever means is available at the time; it doesn't really matter to your vision.
"No doubt, these cars will make travelling an adventurous and pleasurable experience as they have got
such incredible features. I just want to know if they have any alarms set in, that can indicate any unexpected happenings. There can be medical robo cars that can dock & provide first aid to the ones who get into any unexpected situation requiring medical attention."
Actually, I'm curious about the technology which allows robo-cars to avoid unexpected objects. Not other traffic so much as pedestrians, stray animals, objects in the street. Is it well-tested and safe?
Yes, energy. And affordability (what is going to cost someone to make the kind of solo journey you describe?).
But also, what happens when the robo-car breaks down? When another vehicle rams it? If the passenger needs to get out in an emergency? In case of sickness?
It's a nice idea, but there are many questions which remain to be answered.
I expect robo-cars to be an excellent experimentation platform for different forms of energy - electric, gas, hybrid, etc etc. I don't have a solid prediction for what will power cars in 10 to 20 years.
Also, I think, even if a robo-car is fueled in the same manner most cars are today, they'll be driven in such a manner that they'll be far more fuel effecient than if humans were driving them. There's no real need for sudden acceleration, etc etc. If most cars on the highway are self-driven then most cars will be able to maintain a computer controlled constant speed which should save fuel.
I'm hoping that along with advances in robotics, we'll see similar advances in engine tech.
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