AI driven self-driving cars are the future of transportation. Many top manufacturers are working on self-driving cars project since 4 to 5 years. Some of them have even introduced semi-autonomous cars with the autopilot feature. Notable companies working on self-driving cars are GE, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Tesla, etc.
The most important part of a self-driving car is a self-learning program, which takes the onus of controlling the brakes, engine, speed, monitoring the nearby area with sensors/radar and driving passengers safely to their desired location.
As self-driving cars are a new concept, people have plenty of doubts regarding them. We’ve tried to address the concerns by sharing the cons and pros of self-driven cars.
Cons:
Accident Prone: In the last few months, you may have come across news of self-driving car crashes. In one such incident, the Tesla Model S car owner lost his life. Interestingly, one of the other cars from the same company i.e. Tesla Model X saved a person’s life by driving him to the hospital.
AI programming is one of the most difficult branches of computer science. It takes years of efforts and good knowledge of Theoretical CS to master it. Humans write the base code. As we all know, humans have the tendency of making mistakes. Hence, you can’t trust the AI program.
Expensive: You should be rich or ready to take a huge loan from a bank to buy an autonomous car. The cheapest AI driven car is the Model S from Tesla. It costs USD 70000. In the future, companies may incorporate their AI programs in low budget cars that cost within 5000 to 1000 USD.
As new technologies evolve, the cost of older technology reduces. The first ever mobile phone, the Motorola 8000X cost 4000 USD. Now, mobiles with better specs than 8000X are priced below 20$.
Pros:
Comfortable Long journeys: If you’re traveling from one place to another by in your self-driven car, all you have to do is relax in the back or front seat. Unlike the driver, the program can work continuously without taking a break.
Parking: The AI will find the best available parking place nearby and will park the car accordingly. You don’t have to waste time in finding a parking area.
Accurate: If the program is accurate, the car will be much safer under its control.
Reliable: I’ve heard just two fatal incidents related to autonomous cars. Tesla has sold over 100K units of Model S. People are using their MS on daily basis.
Top cars with self-drive/autopilot function
Conclusion: Autonomous vehicles have hit the streets, but they are not affordable for most of the people. They have plenty of advantages and some disadvantages. If given a chance, will you like to own them?
