Stanford Robot Car Capable of Slide Parking

kkleiner writes "Stanford's Junior, the robot car that took second place at DARPA's Grand Challenge in 2007, has learned how to perform a tire-squealing 180-degree spin into a skin-tight parking space. Similar to a James Bond action scene, the maneuver is impressive and would be extremely difficult for a human to pull off. We won't be handing the keys over to robot cars anytime soon, but Stanford shows us that at least for some driving tasks robot cars can already meet or even exceed human ability."

Comments

Re:Well, except for the part...

[ksemlerK]

Car goes "out of control".

1. Apply steady brake pressure, (DON'T PUMP).

2. If power assisted brakes are not responding, use manual ("emergency" brake). Apply steady pressure.

3. Downshift to slow your vehicle. Use the transmission against the engine.

4. Shift into neutral. You may blow up your engine via over-revving it, but it's better then losing your own life.

5. Turn off engine to "OFF position or "ACC". Do not lock the steering wheel or remove the keys from the ignition. You will lose power assist, but you will be able to stop the vehicle. (it will just be difficult to control the vehicle, but it can be done even at 65MPH).

6. Head for the guard rail, and steer into it. You will eventually stop.