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Cars that Can't Crash?

Posted by Zonk on from the first-engineer-humans-that-can-drive dept.

johnsee writes "Microsoft is working with Ford Motor Co towards car that can't crash. The future of cars according to Gates will involve high-definition screens, speech recognition technology, cameras, digital calendars and navigation equipment with directions and road conditions." From the article: "Also on Friday, Microsoft unveiled its Performance Peak Initiative -- a line of computer systems to help the auto industry better coordinate supply chains, streamline design, production and sales and fill vehicles with computer gadgets."

2 of 921 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Old Joke by smooth+wombat · · Score: 4, Informative
    While I have mod points the vast majority of comments revolve around the obvious quips. However, in reading your comment it must be said that 13 is now a reality.

    The 2005 BMW 760i has a 'Start' button you must press (along with a transponder you insert into a slot) to start and stop the car. So does the Lexus Gs 430 as do some Mercedes and Toyotas.

    --
    We will bankrupt ourselves in the vain search for absolute security. -- Dwight D. Eisenhower
  2. Microsoft jokes aside.... by Mark_pdx · · Score: 5, Informative

    Making progress here is long overdue. The government has been studying this for at least 15 years.... I did some research work on this in the early 90's: Collision avoidance systems (radar or laser based) drowsy driver detection, etc.

    google IVHS (intelligent vehicle highway system) for starters.

    Not the Microsoft would be my first choice to design mass-produced life-threatening embedded systems.