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Google Racing

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Re: Google Racing

#31

Post by olalonde »

InclinedPlane wrote: post #29
lpolovets wrote: post #16

I realize this is probably an April Fools' prank, but I'm guessing that a race around a fixed track would actually be a great way to test autonomous cars: you don't need to worry about pedestrians, bicyclists, stoplights, pets, traffic laws, etc; all you have to do is focus on driving and turning at high speeds, and on the other cars on the track.

The more I think about it, the less likely this is to be real. Normal day to day driving is actually incredibly easy. But racing requires intense and constant concentration and quick reactions.

Would be nice to have a race of self driving cars only. With no human life at stake, the races could get pretty crazy!

Re: Google Racing

#32

Post by ars »

InclinedPlane wrote: post #29
lpolovets wrote: post #16

I realize this is probably an April Fools' prank, but I'm guessing that a race around a fixed track would actually be a great way to test autonomous cars: you don't need to worry about pedestrians, bicyclists, stoplights, pets, traffic laws, etc; all you have to do is focus on driving and turning at high speeds, and on the other cars on the track.

The more I think about it, the less likely this is to be real. Normal day to day driving is actually incredibly easy. But racing requires intense and constant concentration and quick reactions.

> But racing requires intense and constant concentration and quick reactions

Which is exactly what computer are great at. What they are terrible at is dealing with incomplete information.

A computer would actually make a great race car driver.

Re: Google Racing

#33

Post by vibrunazo »

That scene in the video, of the driver looking very confused asking "So... you don't need me?". Got me thinking, that was probably the same scene when some record label executives heard about the internets for the first time.

Re: Google Racing

#34

Post by ryanhuff »

JeremyBanks wrote: post #7
GreekOphion wrote: post #4

I'm not sure this is another April Fool's Joke. I didn't find anywhere where it said "April Fools" but maybe I'm wrong.

Entering one of their vehicles in real NASCAR seems rather impossible, but perhaps an exhibition race? Still a long shot, but maybe... here's hoping.

NASCAR would never go for it. NASCAR is all about the drivers (characters).

Re: Google Racing

#38

Post by rickmb »

ars wrote: post #32
InclinedPlane wrote: post #29

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The more I think about it, the less likely this is to be real. Normal day to day driving is actually incredibly easy. But racing requires intense and constant concentration and quick reactions.

> But racing requires intense and constant concentration and quick reactions Which is exactly what computer are great at. What they are terrible at is dealing with incomplete information. A computer would actually make a great race car driver.

I don't think it would. Because part of racing is gambling on the other driver to back off when fighting for position. And when I say "gambling", there are a lot of very human factors involved in trying to figure out an opponents likely behavior. It's not like chess.

Re: Google Racing

#39

Post by ars »

rickmb wrote: post #38
ars wrote: post #32

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> But racing requires intense and constant concentration and quick reactions Which is exactly what computer are great at. What they are terrible at is dealing with incomplete information. A computer would actually make a great race car driver.

I don't think it would. Because part of racing is gambling on the other driver to back off when fighting for position. And when I say "gambling", there are a lot of very human factors involved in trying to figure out an opponents likely behavior. It's not like chess.

Computers actually play poker rather well.

And in racing computers have no fear for their life, and they know exactly what their (cars) limits are - I think it could be done.

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