Technology Magazine September 2022 | Page 149

Key milestones for autonomous vehicles
AI & ML
He adds : “ As software evolves , some of the algorithms used to process the data will become machine learning-based rather than classical computer vision analysis , meaning more efficient processing of large amounts of information and more advanced ADAS deployments .”
It is important that both AI and computer vision technologies work together when applied to autonomous vehicles to ensure safety and reliability . Commenting on this , Rodriguez says : “ AI has proven that certain tasks are easier to train than a programme , hence why the technology is replacing some of the more complex tasks needed in autonomous driving . Understanding how computer vision works will , however , enable more efficient solutions , making it a muchneeded complement to AI . Using computer vision to interpret the visual world while implementing AI to predict and improve driving outcomes will offer the best solution in terms of efficiency and safety .”
He continues : “ The technology allows us to get the basics right , which is vital . Computer vision has amassed many years of analysis and deployment , which are now being enhanced with AI capabilities . As systems are becoming more complex to program , we need that layer of AI which offers more efficient algorithms through machine learning .”
Ensuring challenges are overcome to keep passengers safe As it is a challenging area for technologists , autonomous vehicles combined with computer vision need to go through rigorous training and development to ensure they are safe for people to use .
Even though computer vision can tell the difference between a car and a human or a tree and a building , it doesn ’ t mean that

Key milestones for autonomous vehicles

• 1939 : General Motors showcases theoretical self-driving cars as part of its famous Futurama exhibition at the World ’ s Fair in New York City .
• 1995 : A team at Carnegie Mellon University completes a successful crosscountry journey with Navlab . While the vehicle steers on its own , the brakes and accelerator are handled by a human operator .
• 2010s : A range of major automobile manufacturers announce their intentions to begin developing autonomous vehicles , including GM , Ford , Toyota , BMW , and Volvo , among many others . 2020 : The first regulations related to automated features in cars begin to appear .
• 2022 : China ' s Baidu unveils ' robotaxi ' with detachable steering wheel . The fully autonomous vehicle could hit the roads in China from next year , with the company ' s chief executive saying using a robotaxi will one day be ‘ half the cost of taking a taxi ’.
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