Google might have made its name as an internet search engine, but it is also building a reputation as a pioneer of self-driving cars. The latest development is a patent granted on the technology to read and interpret road works signs.
One of the challenges to successfully implementing autonomous vehicles is ensuring that anything unexpected is dealt with safely. Using a variety of sensors the Google technology detects construction zones by spotting visual cues including flashing lights along with identifying temporary road signs by referring to stored images of road works signs. Having spotted the works the system is claimed to be able to navigate around the obstruction, waiting for a gap in oncoming traffic if necessary.
Google has also acquired social mapping company Waze, an Israeli start-up. The deal will provide improved mapping capabilities and real-time traffic and accident information.
Anything else?
To allay fears about the safety of its driverless cars Google has revealed that its fleet of autonomous vehicles has covered over 480,000 kilometres without incident.