[blindlaw] Google's driverless car

[Kristi Wilkins]

Not to be a negative nancy, but there is another concern. Even the best technologies fail from time to time or have glitches. I wonder how likely it is that it will ever be deemed infallible enough that blind people will be allowed to "drive" one alone. If the technology fails with a sighted person in the car, they could always grab the wheel and take over. I am always hopeful as transportation is always a major issue. 

Kristi

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 9, 2013, at 8:59 PM, "Daniel McBride" <dlmlaw at sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> A couple of things about the driverless car.  First, as is always the case
> with scientific and technological advancements, the motivation is profit and
> its initial applications are for use by the military industrial complex.
> 
> 
> 
> Google's driverless car originated through DARPA, the Defense Advanced
> Research Project Agency in 2005.  It doesn't take much to realize that the
> initial use for this technology will not be for average citizens.  Rather,
> it will be used for robotic tanks, armored vehicles and other military
> vehicles.  In essence, it will be used to develop drones that drive through
> the streets rather than flying overhead.
> 
> 
> 
> Second is the cost if, and when, it becomes available to the citizen
> consumer.  At a scientific seminar this past January, one of the Google car
> engineers spoke of "releasing the technology" to auto manufacturers within
> the next five years.  Currently, however, the modifications to make a car
> driverless are at a cost of $150,000 per unit.  This would make the cost of
> such car close to $200,000.
> 
> 
> 
> So, the initial cost of these cars will be prohibitive for the average
> consumer.
> 
> 
> 
> I have no doubt the day is coming that driverless cars will be as common as
> hybrids are today.  However, at 57 years old, I do not foresee it in my
> lifetime.  On the other hand, I do anticipate robotic, driverless military
> vehicles to be with us in the near future, as that is the foremost reason
> for development of the technology.
> 
> 
> 
> I for one, do not have a budget that will allow $200,000 for a car.  
> 
> 
> 
> Dan McBride 
> 
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