Auto-Pilot AutoEnhances: What does this technology do that is new?
What this technology does that is new is to allow a driver to plot a course and possibly an estimated time of arrival to a destination and let the auto-pilot of the car take him safely to his destination. Possibly using GPS and enhanced roadways, cars would be controlled by autopilots and automated traffic controllers. This would reduce roadway congestion, move traffic along at a safe but rapid speed, and give motorists the freedom to safely phone a friend, work on their computers or take a nap on the way to their destination. This auto-pilot would pay tolls automatically like the open tolling on the Illinois Toll-way and automatically pull into the fueling station when there is a need. The auto-piloted auto would announce the arrival at the destination, park and secure itself while our motorist goes on about his business.
Obsoletes: What does this technology replace?
The technology that the auto piloted auto replaces is the individually driven automobile that now clogs our highways. It would reduce traffic congestion, accidents and road-rage. It would replace motorists listening to the traffic news and trying to decide the best route to take to avoid major congestion and accidents. It would replace uneven traffic lanes and safely pilot the automobiles through traffic lights, signs and pedestrians regardless of weather conditions.
Retrieves/rekindles: What does this technology bring to mind (or retrieve) from the past?
This auto-pilot auto technology brings to mind the drivers of the stage-coaches who drove the horses and coaches with their passengers. It brings to mind the Greyhound bus drivers who told passengers to "leave the driving to us!" It reminds us of the uniformed train conductors of the trains and the auto-pilot on airplanes. All of these modes of transportation allows the passenger to be unconcerned with the logistics of getting to his destination.
Reverses: What might replace this technology in the future, ot what might it cause to occur?
The technology that might replace the auto-pilot auto in the future could be automated mass transit with individualized and mass teleportation stations. The idea of thinking about or visualizina destination and arriving there instantly via a "port-key" as in Harry Potter could be the result or a derivative of the auto-pilot auto.
References:
Auto pilot for cars.Retrieved from http://www.whynot.net/ideas/3706
Willington, R. (2010) Researches aim for car with autopilot, but would you trust it? Retrieved from http://hothardware.com/News/Researchers-Aim-For-Car-With-AutoPilot-But-Would-You-Trust-It/
Hi LaVerne,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you too have similar thoughts concerning autopilot cars as I do :) How great would it be if we left for work in the morning and did not have to listen to traffic reports!! The only issue I forsee is having to place sensors in the roads for the cars to read. I wonder..would these cars eliminate the 'high speed lane?' It would be even better if these cars were electric, but we would have to fight the oil and gas companies. I do think there should be larger mass transits around the US.
Sarah
The use of autopilot cars could reduce road rage, since drivers could set their cars on cruise and the interior mood of the car, therefore reducing stress and health problems caused by stress. The trickle down effect would cause a better quality of life to the owners of the autopilot car since the focus could be on other things that are more important such as family,preserving the environment and etc.
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