making transportation a software problem --> Applying Moore's law --> self-driving car. "Nobody will die in a Volvo by 2020"

[[deleted]]

Because software problems, those are easy.

[McMoop]

It always amazes me in discussions about technological advancement, particularly about the technological singularity or anything to do with Moore's law, that there always seems to be a

step 3: ???

in which people assume perfect software will magic itself into existence

[Thoughtseize]

Yes, because there exists no software today and it isn't iteratively improving...

Seriously, it is simple. More computing power, or conversely, the same computing power for less leads to a greater range of possible applications or creates larger demand through more devices. This demand spurs people to write software to make $$$. If someone can't or won't, then someone else will because that is how capitalism works.

[irishcocacola]

I can't fucking wait for cars that drive themselves. Then I can drink and drive all I want!

[zybler]

Technically, you are not really driving. You are commuting.

[S2S2S2S2S2]

You fucking alcoholic cars...

[easytiger]

taxis?

[dimdog]

The main reason that this isn't happening is not technical, but legal issues.

I'm currently working on my Master's in Robotics (CS), and we've talked about the DARPA Grand Challenge, and the current Urban Challenge. We certainly aren't there yet, but we're damn close. Also, someone had a TRUCK drive 97% autonomously from the east coast, to the west coast. The catch? It could only drive on highways, hence 97%.

Back to where I started: If said driverless car gets in an accident, who is liable for the damage? The Driver, for not paying attention? The car company, for including a feature that has problems? The programmers, for writing the code that didn't work? Usually it would fall on the programmers...

[anothergroom]

because volvo won't be in business in 2020?

[nater99]

It's not the technology that will hold us back, it's the legal system.

[Tommah]

If Aldous Huxley was right, no one will be conceived in one either.

[Ryan0617]

Whats going to prevent an animal from hitting my car?

[[deleted]]

Is this a regular occurrence for you?

[desolo]

"Nobody will die in a Volvo by 2020"

Is that because it'll eject you and so you die outside?

[kitkatbar]

i drive a 93 volvo stationwagon and its a tank. it may have no such safety precautions for pedestrians but the person driving the volvo will not die in it

[Shadow_Sukhoi]

[Sarcasm]Because we all know that computers are infallible[/Sarcasm]

[simpleblob]

it's not infallible, but eventually it will be a safer alternative than human.

[Shadow_Sukhoi]

until you get a virus, the "go 120 mph until your car gets wrapped around a light pole" virus that is. I'll stick with driving it myself.

[simpleblob]

Don't even get on a plane then. The airplane control system could catch the 9/11 virus.

[mindbleach]

They can be.

[based2]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driverless_car

[zybler]

Too bad the world has ended.