Waymo Patent Shows Plans To Replace Steering Wheel, Pedals With Push Button (driverless.id)

nesaefendija shares a report from Driverless: Waymo just received approval on a patent for a push-button console that replaces not only a steering wheel in a car but the brake and gas pedals, too. This reflects Alphabet's driverless arm could remain true to its original mantra of developing cars that pilot themselves without human intervention. In many ways, the push-button controls give the riders the same level of control you might have in an elevator, largely confined to just being able to make an emergency stop or to set the vehicle into motion by pressing the "GO" button.

Comments

Because a button is better than a wheel

[quonset]

If these people truly believe their software and systems will never make a mistake, will never have a problem, will never be hacked, will be the perfect antidote for what ails us, they should be fired right now.

The steering wheel and pedals are as simple as driving can be. Especially for how lazy the vast majority have become by driving automatic rather than manual gearboxes. What they are planning to do is increase the complexity which increases the chances for something to go wrong which increases the likelihood of problems.

Simplicity is the key to everything. This is not simple.

Re:New control

[sycodon]

Jet Airliners and Jet Fighters have someone in a cockpit. They have yokes and Sticks and can take control of the aircraft at anytime.

Neither of them take off or land by themselves.