Autonomous Shuttle Brakes For Squirrels, Skateboarders, and Texting Students (ieee.org)

Tekla Perry writes: An autonomous shuttle from Auro Robotics is picking up and dropping off students, faculty, and visitors at the Santa Clara University Campus seven days a week. It doesn't go fast, but it has to watch out for pedestrians, skateboarders, bicyclists, and bold squirrels (engineers added a special squirrel lidar on the bumper). An Auro engineer rides along at this point to keep the university happy, but soon will be replaced by a big red emergency stop button (think Staples Easy button). If you want a test drive, just look for a "shuttle stop" sign (there's one in front of the parking garage) and climb on, it doesn't ask for university ID.

Comments

...what?

[wonkey_monkey]

Autonomous Shuttle Brakes For Squirrels, Skateboarders, and Texting Students

I read "brakes" as a noun. I imagined rodents and students alike being fitted with little rocket packs to bring them to a stop when they're in danger.

Disappoint.

Re:Should instead slow down to 5 MPH

[Mr D from 63]

My apologies for being insensitive to any obese, unmotivated sciuridae. I truly regret it.

Re:Not the only one

[No Longer an AC]

Most vehicles break when they hit a moose.

Re:How long

[0100010001010011]

As these technologies are applied to heavier and faster vehicles,

This looks like a brand new startup that is trying to do everything from scratch, by themselves, this year.

Look at what the Germans have been running around test tracks for 5+ years.

Additionally take into account what sensors they have available for what that cheap vehicle costs.

Re:How long

[fluffernutter]

So you would run over a house cat rather than chaff someone's seat belt shoulder? There has to be some moral regard for life here.