Carmakers’ automated dilemma: How to keep drivers from feeling robotic

[Jesus Malverde]

For a glimpse of one of the auto world’s thorniest modern dilemmas, look no further than two contradictory TV ads for Infiniti’s new Q50.

In one, a narrator mocks the biggest trend in cars, self-driving technology, as boring and overbearing, taking “the wheel right from your very hands.” In another, a man celebrates the fact that the Q50 can speed up, steer and stop on its own, via upgrades that show the luxury sedan has an “instinct to protect.”

Volvo now sells an SUV, the XC90, that stops at red lights, accelerates at green lights and can match the steering of cars ahead. Tesla Model S sedans will download “autopilot” features over the air this summer. Next year, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz will offer models that can drive on auto­pilot, hands-free, and even park themselves.

The new technology heralds a big change in the way drivers relate to their cars. Few features threaten the traditional promise of the automobile — freedom, independence, control of the road — like a computer that can drive far safer and has no qualms about taking the wheel.

That has put automakers in an awkward spot to reach car buyers who are drawn to the idea of driving with fewer dangers and drudgeries but are still leery of self-driving technology. To win them over, carmakers increasingly are selling the illusion of control while, in practice, taking more and more away.

A Tesla Motors Inc. Model S electric automobile fitted with Robert Bosch GmbH automated driving technology drives on a test track in Boxberg, Germany, on May 19. “Autopilot” features will be available for Model S sedans this summer.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/carmakers-automated-dilemma-how-to-keep-drivers-from-feeling-like-robots/2015/05/24/2ac097c6-f5b2-11e4-bcc4-e8141e5eb0c9_story.html

[pa28]

1. In robotics they have a term called "the uncanny valley".

Basically it's the sense of revulsion people feel when robots try to mimic human beings and I think it applies to cars as well.

My own car once slammed on the brakes by itself when a kid ran in front of it 30 feet away while I was going 10MPH. Thanks anyway car but I had that covered.

For car enthusiasts you drive something like for a while and begin to appreciate older cars and the "analogue" driving experience.

[Jesus Malverde]

2. Think of all the car ads that show drivers driving down a windy road.

Those ads eventually won't resonate much.

Drivers apparently will be expected to pay attention while not being in control.

[pa28]

3. Autonomous cars are coming and there's no stopping it. Unfortunately IMO.

Kind of hilarious to imagine a motorist in the not so distant future playing Gran Turismo with a dummy steering wheel and fake stick shift while his car drives itself to work.

[Jesus Malverde]

7. You nailed it!

Thank you!

[NYC_SKP]

4. Unfortunately, I know developer types saying V2V technology will end bumper to bumper traffic.

He is so wrong, is fighting light rail in my community, cites a Columbia study that suggests traffic can increase 277% when cars are all equipped with two-way car to car communication, GPS, etc.

He is a fool, but the technology is cool for those who can afford it.

One day all new cars here will be required to have some of these features, but it will be a generation or two or more before all existing vehicles have been replace with these new types of vehicles.

[Kilgore]

5. Personally would like a self driving car

The prospect of making a sandwich, enjoying an adult beverage, then taking a nap on a long boring trip has a certain appeal.

Of course I would have the model with a kitchenette and bed instead of a back seat.

[dembotoz]

6. its called a bus

New cars have all the advantages of a bus but most importantly you do not have to ride with those poor folk

[woo me with science]

8. "I'm sorry, Dave....

You are late on a bill. Please do not touch the lock or your seatbelt. We aren't going to your nephew's house. We are en route to City Hall."

[Jesus Malverde]

9. Nailed it!

You don't own the car, your just part of a service agreement. You only own the license to use it. ..as long as you keep paying.



JM