How Does Self Driving Cars Work

Self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles, have been a topic of interest for many years and have recently begun to be seen on the roads in various forms. The technology behind self-driving cars is complex, but can be broken down into a few key components: sensors, software, and mechanical systems.

Waymo undergoing testing in the San Francisco Bay Area
By Dllu - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64517567

Tesla Autopilot is classified as an SAE Level 2 system

By Ian Maddox - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=67227170

Sensors are an essential component of self-driving cars. These devices are used to detect and interpret the vehicle's surroundings. The most commonly used sensors in autonomous vehicles include cameras, lidar, radar, and ultrasonic sensors. Cameras can capture visual information, such as traffic lights and road signs, while lidar, radar, and ultrasonic sensors are used to detect the presence of other vehicles and obstacles.

Cruise Automation self-driving car with five Velodyne LiDAR units on the roof
By Dllu - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63450446

An ultrasonic parking sensor (circular) mounted on a vehicle bumper
By Basotxerri - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=53945732

   

The data collected by these sensors is then processed by the car's software. The software uses this data to make decisions about how the vehicle should operate, such as when to accelerate, brake, or turn. The software uses a combination of machine learning algorithms and pre-programmed rules to make these decisions. The car's computer system is constantly analyzing the data and making adjustments to the car's operation to ensure a safe and efficient ride.

In addition to sensors and software, self-driving cars also have mechanical systems that allow them to navigate and operate on the road. These systems include steering, braking, and acceleration systems, all of which are controlled by the car's computer. The computer uses the data from the sensors to make decisions about how these systems should be used.

One of the key challenges in self-driving cars is ensuring the safety of the passengers and other road users. To do this, autonomous vehicles are equipped with a number of safety features. For example, they may have backup systems in place in case the primary systems fail, and they may also be able to communicate with other vehicles and infrastructure to avoid collisions.

In conclusion, self-driving cars are complex systems that use a combination of sensors, software, and mechanical systems to navigate and operate on the road. The technology behind self-driving cars is still evolving, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way we travel and make our roads safer. However, safety is a key concern and the technology is still under development, so it will take some time before we see fully autonomous vehicles on the roads.