Driverless Cars Move Step Closer to Reality
Here at European Springs we welcome all advancements in new technology, especially those which could potentially revolutionise the way we live and get from place to place.
With the technology and wider engineering industry, as well as governmental and news agenda being focused on sustainable low carbon technology, this industry is currently thriving, and there are a string of exciting and revolutionary new products in the pipeline which could signal a change in everyday practices.
It has been announced recently, as described in this BBC article that a monumental step is being planned to introduce driverless cars in Milton Keynes, as part of a government funded project.
The groundbreaking pilot scheme will see an initial batch of 20 'pods' being introduced, each having a capacity of 2 people. Special pathways will be created for the pods, which currently have a maximum speed of 12mph, and feature a range of internal technology features, such as internet access, with ability to access emails and news sites.
The reasoning behind this scheme is that driverless vehicles will allow for a combined effect of a reduction in pollution due to their minimal emissions, a reduction in road traffic, as well as providing a relief from the stress caused by commuting by car through busy cities.
It is hoped that if no major physical or operational faults occur, the vehicles could be introduced to more cities, as well as being expanded to 100 pods by as early as 2017.
Driverless vehicles have already been successfully introduced in California with resounding success, and despite the safety concerns of many, it has been reported that 400,000 miles have been covered without any major incidents.
This type of technology is only possible due to the continued advancement in the development of thousands of individual components which enable such advanced inventions to be possible. The most seemingly simple components such as compression springs play an absolutely crucial part in the ability of vehicle motion, as well as the development of more advanced processes such as the automation of the door hatches on the pods, and their ability to provide a smooth and comfortable ride.
It is hoped that the government investment in this scheme will spur the investment in similar technology across the country, and inspire smaller firms to potentially develop their own similar technology, helping us head towards a greener and more technologically advanced future.
European Springs