The AI Debate Critical To The Future Of Autonomous Vehicles

A Volkswagen'Cedric' self-driving automobile is presented during the Volkswagen Group Shaping The Future / Create Innovation event ahead of the 87th Geneva International Motor Show on March 6, 2017 in Geneva, Switzerland. As many of the most innovative companies in the world race to bring autonomous vehicle solutions to market, a fierce debate has emerged in the industry about the best way to build those solutions. An AV must make countless tactical choices moment to moment to navigate through its environment, choices that are second nature to experienced human drivers: how fast to go, whether to stop at a traffic signal, whether to slow to let another vehicle merge, whether to change lanes to avoid a parked car. These are highly safety-critical decisions. They can mean the difference between life and death on the road, millions of times over, every day. Given the stakes, it is no surprise that the question as to which technological approach to apply here has taken on huge importance and inspired vigorous debate.