What are self-driving vehicles?

Self-driving cars are robotic vehicles capable of navigating to a destination without human assistance. Although most of these cars do well under controlled environment, they do require a human in the driver’s seat to take control at any time. These vehicles use a variety of advanced control systems to identify the environment and interpret information.

How do self-driving cars work?

 

The driver sets a destination on the car’s system, which then calculates the best possible routes and seeks your sign-off.

 

High-precision sensors do a 60-meter range scan of the current environment and relay the information to the car. This creates a dynamic 3D map.

Sensors on the wheels detect the car’s position and other objects relative to the 3D map. Radar systems on the anterior and posterior sides continuously calculate distances of vehicles, pedestrians, etc.

The car’s system controls the speed and navigation based on dynamic inputs from the sensors and radars.

Fully automatic braking system is integrated within the car’s intelligence unit.

A manual override function helps the driver to take control of the vehicle when circumstances demand.

Benefits of Self-Driving Cars

Self-driving vehicles are defining the future of mobility in many developed societies. The advantages offered by this vehicle technology are so critical that they are influencing the future of transport.

• These vehicles can be programmed to follow traffic rules and help in reducing accidents.
• Programmable driving makes traffic conditions are more predictable; in other words, you can reach your destination at the scheduled time due to smoother traffic and less congestion.
• This technology helps in creating a cleaner, safer and more efficient system of transportation.

Although self-driven cars have long been shown in sci-fi movies, major developments have taken place in this technology that some nations have passed legislation to allow such vehicles to operate legally on public roads. This technology, now embraced by all major corporations, has the backing of governments as well, a factor that will make self-driving cars more commonplace.

It is not uncommon these days to find ‘fully connected’ homes. From Smart TVs to IoT-enabled refrigerators that automatically communicate with you or the grocery store, the range of gadgets that simplify life is continuously growing. For instance, a large number of retailers are embracing the use of IoT to bring consumers and brands together. Homeowners have learnt that a simple click is all they need to switch off the TV, open the garage door, start the car, order a pizza and do a lot more; remote-control living at its best! However, the future of smart-home technology is in the process of a silent revolution where the focus is no longer on newer gadgets or appliances, but on building homes fitted with integrated smart products instead.

 Integrated Smart Homes

The world is abuzz about personal assistant devices connecting homes to a virtual assistant. Within the next year or so, residents can wirelessly control all home devices that are connected to a central bridge. Users can already monitor home security, climate, and lights, and do a lot more. The potential of this revolutionary technology continues to grow as the world turns towards an automated future.

 Benefits of Smart Homes

1. Convenience

The primary incentive behind investing in Smart Homes is the added convenience offered by it. Equipped with a simply remote control, users gain access to a wide variety of systems, including temperature control, communication devices, or multimedia devices, located throughout the home. With the help of integrated hard drives, homeowners can enjoy full connectivity with the rest of the home, streamlining daily tasks and making things easier.

2. Security

Smart Homes provide users with a sophisticated security systems, fully equipped with cameras, motion sensors, and the additional feature of notifying local authorities or private security companies of threats. Smart Homes make use of biometrics or electronic key cards instead of conventional locks, making it more difficult for break-ins to occur.

3. Accessibility

For elderly or disabled users, Smart Homes provide increased accessibility by using Voice-command technology. These Voice-command Systems are capable of controlling lighting, locking and unlocking doors, and using other devices. Home automation provides individuals with the ability to set a schedule for routine chores like watering the lawn, saving them the effort of having to perform these laborious tasks on a daily basis.

4. Efficiency

 Smart Homes are capable of improving energy-efficiency through careful, measured usage of appliances. Motion sensors help conserve energy by shutting off the lights in vacated rooms, while temperature regulation can adjust according to outdoor temperatures and user preferences. These automated tasks, combined with advanced, energy-efficient appliances of today, help preserve the environment by reducing the amount of electricity, water and natural gas used.

5. Resale

 At the point of resale, Smart Homes are considerably more valuable as they are already fitted with the latest in modern technology. Users can share their personal experience with these Smart Home technologies, and can explain them to potential buyers. If interested in future resale of a property, Home Automation should be considered as a worthwhile investment into an already valuable asset.