Encounter at Iris Ave and Folsom
At the corner of Iris Ave and Folsom in North Boulder, a fascinating scenario unfolded involving my Model 3 Tesla and two human drivers. While turning left, my self-driving Tesla adhered to the inside lane, following the proper rule of the road as indicated in the driver manual. In contrast, the two human drivers violated a basic traffic rule by swinging wide and turning into the right-hand lane.
Comparing Self-Driving Cars and Teenage Drivers
Reflecting on this incident, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between my teenage son, Milo, who is 15 with a learner’s permit, and the Tesla’s self-driving capabilities. I envision Milo developing the memory, rote behaviors, and mundane habits exhibited by self-driving cars in his driving journey. While both the machine and the adolescent have brains in development, the human mind operates based on millions of years of evolutionary biology, while the Tesla’s algorithms are shaped by decades of engineering expertise.
From a cognitive and neuroscience perspective, the contrast between the machine and the adolescent driver sheds light on the future generation of drivers. While the Tesla has been involved in accidents, including fatalities, my son still holds the advantage of human intuition and adaptability that machines may lack.
Future of Self-Driving Technology
Self-driving technology continues to evolve rapidly, with companies like Tesla, General Motors, BMW, Mercedes, Lincoln, and Kia developing their versions of autonomous driving systems. While Tesla’s Autopilot system has been involved in crashes, efforts are being made to enhance safety measures and regulatory compliance.
Recently, Elon Musk concluded talks in Beijing to introduce Autopilot technology on Chinese roads, highlighting the global expansion of autonomous driving capabilities. Many automakers are exploring advanced driver assistance systems that provide partial control in specific situations, such as highway driving.
