This article is produced by NetEase Smart Studio (public number smartman 163). Focus on AI and read the next big era! Netease Smart News, November 2 – Yesterday, Waymo, the self-driving division of Alphabet, conducted a public test of its autonomous vehicles. However, according to foreign media reports, the results revealed that current self-driving cars still lack the full capability of human drivers. Experts suggest that mastering real-world driving requires extensive experience and time. Reports indicate that Waymo has been testing its self-driving cars near an old Air Force base in Atalwar, California. The location is about 100 kilometers from the company’s headquarters in Mountain View. Alphabet is currently working on simulating real-world driving scenarios to prepare for future fully autonomous driving. The company has created simulations for situations like pedestrians suddenly crossing the road, cyclists passing alongside, and overtaking maneuvers. After the system learns how to respond correctly, it undergoes repeated testing until it can handle unexpected events safely. Not all tests involve a human safety driver. This only occurs when the risk is minimal, such as when there are few pedestrians on the road. Waymo conducts structured tests in a facility called “Castle.†Here, the company has built large-scale roads, intersections, and over 20,000 simulated scenarios. Yesterday, they publicly tested a Chrysler Pacifica model. However, the test results showed that even after learning in the Castle environment, the self-driving car still struggled with real-world conditions. In particular, without a human driver, the vehicle failed to pass certain safety tests. The test was highly anticipated, with media outlets like Bloomberg, The New York Times, and Recode in attendance. It marked the first time Alphabet, known for being low-key, publicly showcased its self-driving technology. Unfortunately, the results were not impressive. In short, today’s autonomous vehicles still have a long way to go before they can operate completely without human intervention. Alphabet acknowledges this challenge and is committed to improving the safety of its self-driving cars beyond the controlled Castle environment. They believe the system can handle rare or complex situations, even in small, specialized areas. Waymo CEO John Krafcik did not provide a specific timeline for achieving fully autonomous driving. However, he mentioned the company is exploring new partnerships, including trucking, shared mobility, taxi services, and city logistics. Details about potential cities remain undisclosed. Krafcik said, “We’ve reached a point where we can say we’re close. I won’t give a date, but when we’re ready, we’ll let the world know.†From this, it’s clear that fully autonomous vehicles in real-world conditions still require human involvement. Waymo hasn’t disclosed much about the internal processes behind the test, but it’s known that engineers continuously add new variables to simulate real-world complexity. Waymo’s cars simulate driving 10 million kilometers daily in their virtual environments. This process continues until the system fully understands and adapts to new situations. In addition to the Castle simulation, 100 self-driving cars are regularly tested on public roads, covering around 10,000 kilometers daily. Over 10 million simulated miles and 20,000 structured tests have been completed in the Castle area. Despite these efforts, the tests are still limited to pre-set routes and lack the unpredictability of real-world driving. However, this was the first time Waymo openly shared details about its progress with the media. “We want people to see how far we’ve come,†Krafcik said when asked why the company kept its progress private. Many challenges remain, such as determining when to launch fully autonomous services, which cities to target, and whether to license the technology to other manufacturers. Compared to previous demonstrations, like the NVIDIA-powered car at CES or the Mercedes-Benz concept car at Alameda Naval Base, Waymo’s test was more stable and efficient. The car handled various scenarios smoothly, making precise decisions without sudden braking or instability. But the real world is far more unpredictable than a controlled test track. During the test, media reporters were taken on a ride inside a Waymo Chrysler Pacifica. Everyone, including safety drivers, sat in the back seats. A physical start button was located on the console above the seat. When the button was pressed, the car began driving automatically. Although the system had been trained on various scenarios, it still followed a predefined route. The test center was quiet, with staff closely monitoring the car to prevent any issues. During the test, a car ahead broke down and blocked the road. A man and woman crossed the street at an intersection, and a cyclist rode alongside the self-driving car. In response, the car chose an unblocked path, avoided the broken vehicle, stopped smoothly at the crosswalk, and gave way to pedestrians. This route was different from previous structured tests, which had fewer variables. There was also a “Stop Parking†button, though it hadn’t been tested yet. Pressing the “Help†button connected the car to a support team, and the console displayed real-time information about the surroundings. Overall, the user experience demonstrated by Waymo’s interface is one of the most advanced in the industry. As more people get real-life experiences with self-driving cars, consumer trust will become increasingly important for companies like Google and Alphabet. Riding in a self-driving car feels comfortable because the console explains what the car is doing and shows what it sees. When the autopilot starts, it naturally shifts attention away from the steering wheel. Stay tuned to NetEase Smart Studio (smartman163) for the latest updates on AI and the future of transportation. Nickel Iron Battery,Nickel Iron Alkaline Battery,Solar Battery,Nickel Iron Battery For Solar Henan Xintaihang Power Source Co.,Ltd , https://www.taihangbattery.com
This image shows a Waymo self-driving car waiting for another vehicle to pull out of a parking spot.
This image captures the in-car experience during the test.