Innovative Idea, Essay Example

Ever hear of a car that can drive itself? Well, such a thing may be possible in the future. According to S. Dornfeld, a reporter for the Minneapolis Post, research scientist in France have come up with the concept of the “cybercar,” an automobile that can drive itself which could prove to be an “important tool to help improve mobility and reduce congestion in large urban areas.” Part of the reason for this innovative idea are the concerns over “the rising cost of owning and operating a car, social equity (for those who cannot afford cars), environmental concerns, lack of space for roadways and parking, and  traffic congestion” (2012).

Some of the cars that have been designed only as prototypes have artificial-intelligence software “that can sense anything near the car and mimic the decisions made by a human driver.” They also “react faster than humans, have 360-degree perception and do not get distracted, sleepy or intoxicated” (Dornfeld, 2012). This last advantage about self-driven cars (being intoxicated behind the wheel) may become a thing of the past when these “cybercars” are equipped with “biometric sensors built into the seat, seat belt, and steering wheel” in order to “make sure the driver is fit to drive” (Intel IQ, 2012).

This particular innovative idea holds many intriguing possibilities. For example, instead of having to drive long distances without sleeping, the driver could simply take a nap in the backseat while the car drives itself down the highway. Also, once technology reaches its apex, a self-driving “cybercar” could avoid being involved in roadway accidents because of all the high-tech gadgets on-board, thus drastically cutting down the number of people killed and/or injured in automobile accidents and the costs associated with property damage and insurance lawsuits.

References

Dornfeld, S. (2012). Self-driven cars and other innovative ideas. Retrieved from http://www.minnpost.com/cityscape/2012/02/self-driven-cars-and-other-innovative-ideas

Intel IQ: When vehicles take over driving for us. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.psfk.com/2012/09/intel-iq-smart-cars.html