How Do Google Self Driving Cars Work?

The idea of Google Self Driving Cars has been around for quite some time. But the idea got a little closer to reality in May, when Google showed off its latest model – complete with no steering wheel or any other type of driver control.

As you might imagine, the idea of this concept has drawn mixed emotions. Not everyone is excited about it, and there are still several critical questions to be answered. In addition, there are many folks who fall into the “old school” category who will be apprehensive about such a radical change. Others are excited about what it could do for our society. For example, imagine the independence an elderly person who can no longer drive would regain if they could ride in a Google Self Driving Car. 

Google Self Driving Cars are Unlike Any Other

What makes Google Self Driving Cars a little different is the fact that they are not adhering to the technologies of other driverless vehicles. They have a stop and go control, but that’s it; there is no gas pedal or brake. It is a two-seater, has a flexible windshield and, when mass-produced, will be made from a foam-like material.

In early test models, cars will be equipped with controls necessary to allow the operator to take command of the vehicle in the event of any issues that may arise. A combination of radar sensors, a camera and lasers allow it to navigate itself from Point A to Point B. Google is currently testing these cars, and they’d like them to be on the road by 2015. This is a rather ambitious goal, especially when compared to Nissan’s own target date of 2020 for their driverless cars.

Google Self Driving Car Facts

Google Self Driving Cars can be summoned by a regular SmartPhone, have a range of about 100 miles, and its maximum speed is only about 25 mph. They are currently building about 100 cars in Detroit, and they will partner with a manufacturer when they are ready to be mass-produced.