Self-Driving Cars: Where they stand and what to Expect?
Self-driving cars are making headlines in the international media and also in local media of UAE. There are many global players in this list, but the Tesla has made significant progress in this regard with their semi-autonomous Model 3 in Dubai showrooms already. Almost all the global players are making significant strides toward a future of completely driverless vehicles. The self-driving technology seems to open realms of possibilities.
What is the progress?
Self-driving cars need to run on the roads supported by different components and without the human input. Technologies have been developed such as self-parking, automatic braking, and lane assist. Some automakers have gone past this stage like Audi. Audi is capable of driving hands-free on a freeway up to 55 kmph with its Traffic Jam Pilot. Many other companies like Uber, Google, and Tesla are testing self-driving vehicles.
What could it mean in a few years?
It looks that companies are in the race to first build a commercially viable fully autonomous car. It seems that profits will be marvelous for whoever manages to cross the finish line. Imagine yourself driving home and send your car to earn some money by transporting some passengers while you watch TV.
Self-driving cars are expected to bring a transportation revolution that will leave ripples in modern day society. Self-driving cars will be helpful for the elderly who are not capable of driving anymore. According to research, accidents are to be reduced significantly with the self-driving cars on the road.
Major automakers expect the self-driving cars to become a reality within a decade.
Which Major Players are Involved?
Tesla, Waymo, and Uber have been working on self-driving cars for some years now. Many other automakers also jumped the train including Mercedes, Volvo, Audi, GM, Ford, Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
Growing partnerships indicate that there will be many dominant players in this industry instead of one.
Future of self-driving vehicles in the UAE
Early in 2016, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai announced that 25 percent of car journeys in Dubai will be driverless by 2030. Driverless pods for transportation in the UAE are also in the works.
