It’s happening, folks. The self-driving car phenomenon is finally jumping from the test track onto public roads. And the revolution isn’t just happening in the United States—it’s happening in the UK, too.
https://gizmodo.com/why-you-shouldnt-be-too-quick-to-cheer-self-driving-car-5974608
The small town of Milton-Keynes, just north of London, will soon deploy 100 driverless pods to replace its noisy, pollution-blasting bus system. These so-called Ultra Pods can carry four people plus cargo at a neck-breaking speed of 12 miles-per-hour on a set track. The battery-powered vehicles are already safely in use on a closed track at London’s Heathrow airport, where there hasn’t been a single safety incident in over two years of use.
The UK is ahead of the curve on this one, but not by much. Nissan says it’ll start selling a self-driving car by 2020, and companies like Volvo and Mercedes aren’t far behind. But will they look like a family-friendly amusement park ride crossed with a Stormtrooper? Highly doubtful. [PhysOrg]
https://gizmodo.com/nissan-wants-self-driving-to-be-a-1000-car-upgrade-by-1209148285
Image via Ultra Global PRT
