Robohub.org
 

Google presents their actual autonomous car test prototype

by
22 December 2014



share this:
google_car_

Google just unveiled their first ‘real-build’ self-driving prototype vehicle. This is a follow up to the concept presented in May and signifies the progress of this particular Google project.

According to the short Google announcement, the purpose of this new prototype is testing, initially on a closed test track and then later in 2015 on public roads. Even so, very few actual details are known, beyond those we covered in our previous article for the initial mockup.

The differences between the two cars, however, are actually quite interesting. Google emphasizes the presence of headlamps, which are an indication that the vehicle could be road legal, although it’s not clear to what extent. A glimpse of its frame and construction hinted at a properly engineered vehicle that may be possible to fulfill all the necessary requirements for a regulatory approval (crash tests etc). However, a loophole for this highly experimental vehicle is possible; it may, for example, be regarded as an electric golf cart of sorts.

google_car_robohub

The composite photo above presents the most obvious differences: a better integrated LIDAR, the headlights and other small details. The most important visible difference is the mirrors. On the first mockup, the mirror fairings were small and so could only accommodate the sensors or cameras of the autonomous system. The new one retains the sensors but adds a proper mirror for the driver. It is almost certain that the car will have manual controls (steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals) so it can be “supervised” on public roads.

2015 will be an interesting year for autonomous driving. Apart from this purpose-built concept, many manufacturers offer ever more advanced systems, and Google is promoting a modular solution of their own.



tags: , , , ,


Ioannis K. Erripis joined the ROBOTS association in early 2011 as a news reporter and now leads all technical aspects of the Robohub project, including website design, implementation and branding.
Ioannis K. Erripis joined the ROBOTS association in early 2011 as a news reporter and now leads all technical aspects of the Robohub project, including website design, implementation and branding.





Related posts :



We are pleased to announce our 3rd Reddit Robotics Showcase!

The 2021 and 2022 events showcased a multitude of fantastic projects from the r/Robotics Reddit community, as well as academia and industry. This year’s event features many wonderful robots including...
30 May 2023, by

European Robotics Forum 2023 was a success!

One of the highlights of the conference for us was our workshop "Supporting SMEs in Bringing Robotics Solutions to Market", where experts gave insights on how DIHs can create a greater impact for SMEs and facilitate a broad uptake and integration of robotics technologies in the industry.
28 May 2023, by

Helping robots handle fluids

Researchers create a new simulation tool for robots to manipulate complex fluids in a step toward helping them more effortlessly assist with daily tasks.
27 May 2023, by

Robot Talk Episode 50 – Elena De Momi

In this week's episode of the Robot Talk podcast, host Claire Asher chatted to Elena De Momi from the the Polytechnic University of Milan all about surgical robotics, artificial intelligence, and the upcoming ICRA robotics conference in London.
26 May 2023, by

Building a Tablebot

There was a shortage of entries in the tablebot competition shortly before the registration window closed for RoboGames 2023. To make sure the contest would be held, I entered a robot. Then I had to build one.
23 May 2023, by

Making drones suitable for cities

Unmanned aerial vehicles will make their way into urban skies only if the safety of people below can be ensured.
21 May 2023, by





©2021 - ROBOTS Association


 












©2021 - ROBOTS Association