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Why Google Made Its Self-Driving Car So Darn Cute

techcrunch.com

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Re: Why Google Made Its Self-Driving Car So Darn Cute

#32

Post by unwind »

askew wrote: post #23
annnnd wrote: post #19

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I now realise that sitting in a self-driving car will cause me to press on the ghost brake pedal while sweating with anxiety No it won't. :) In next versions you will probably not be facing the road anyway. Do you "ghost brake" when driving in the back of a limousine?

Hah - when travelling in the passenger seat I often see my dad try and brake when I leave it a little later than he would. He also grips on to the handle above the window.

I do this myself, but I really experience it as bracing myself using my feet, to avoid having my torso and head move forward when the car brakes. The handle is handy (!) for the same purpose.

People always seem to think that I'm "ghost-braking", but I'm pretty certain I'm just trying to stabilize my body because it's uncomfortable to be jostled around. I don't "ghost-blinker" at corners ...

Re: Why Google Made Its Self-Driving Car So Darn Cute

#33

Post by andrey-p »

ehurrell wrote: post #28

As my old AI lecturer put it "If a person driving a car runs over a person that driver is at fault, if an AI driving a car runs over a person that AI will probably never be used again in any car.", so it's interesting to see the 'cute' approach they are taking to, as the article says "minimize the fear".

I looked at the images and my initial gut reaction was "aww, I can't be afraid of _that_!" even if I still find the idea scary.

I think it's a very successful design.

Re: Why Google Made Its Self-Driving Car So Darn Cute

#36

Post by bitJericho »

ehurrell wrote: post #28

As my old AI lecturer put it "If a person driving a car runs over a person that driver is at fault, if an AI driving a car runs over a person that AI will probably never be used again in any car.", so it's interesting to see the 'cute' approach they are taking to, as the article says "minimize the fear".

One software change could rule out that same accident ever happening again. You can't retrain every driver everytime an accident occurs, but you can reprogram every automated car.

Re: Why Google Made Its Self-Driving Car So Darn Cute

#39

Post by alagu »

jmpeax wrote: post #17

Being a programmer, a sci-fi fan, and always excited by new developments even from a young age, I thought I'd never reach a time where I would find it difficult to accept new technology. Clones, immortality, interstellar travel, tech-enabled telepathy, bring it on. I now realise that sitting in a self-driving car will cause me to press on the ghost brake pedal while sweating with anxiety every time it needs to slow d…

This happens because of lack of trust in the new driver - like in real life. When you see that the new driver is driving well, you'd forget it and start reading a book instead.

Re: Why Google Made Its Self-Driving Car So Darn Cute

#40

Post by tcwatrous »

shiven wrote: post #30

A future with no taxis! No Lyft or Uber either. Less and less humans tied up doing work that can be done by a "bash script"[0]. I look forward to this! [0] Or highly advanced AI for that matter. Same final impact.

What makes you think you won't be calling a self driving car to pick you up on the Uber app?
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