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Self-Driving Shuttle Involved In Crash Two Hours After Debut (www.cbc.ca)

New submitter Northern Pike writes: Las Vegas roll out of new driver-less shuttle spoiled by human error. It sounds like the shuttle did what it was designed to do but the human semi driver wasn't as careful. "The shuttle did what it was supposed to do, in that it's (sic) sensors registered the truck and the shuttle stopped to avoid the accident," the city said in a statement. "Unfortunately the delivery truck did not stop and grazed the front fender of the shuttle. Had the truck had the same sensing equipment that the shuttle has the accident would have been avoided." The self-driving shuttle can transport up to 12 people and has a attendant and computer monitor, but no steering wheel and no brake pedals. It relies heavily on GPS, electronic curb sensors and other technology to make its way.

4 of 204 comments (clear)

  1. Two takeaways by 93+Escort+Wagon · · Score: 4, Funny

    1) Robotic vehicles need a horn - and additional logic to handle when to sound it.

    2) Robotic vehicles would benefit from the addition of a mechanical arm with a mechanical middle finger - for these sorts of post-accident situations.

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  2. Re:Human reaction vs machine reaction by sexconker · · Score: 5, Funny

    From the story...

    NASCAR driver Danica Patrick and magic duo Penn and Teller were among the first passengers.

    Penn Jillette has a podcast where he said he wanted to be one the the first to ride on it, It's almost certain he'll be talking about it there on Sunday. It's called Penn's Sunday School.

    Conversely, I doubt Teller will have much to say on the matter.

  3. Re:Human reaction vs machine reaction by PolygamousRanchKid+ · · Score: 3, Funny

    I wonder if there was a horn option in the software.

    This is the USA. We have "stand your ground" laws. If another motor vehicle is trying to run you over or back into you, you are permitted to engage with licensed firearms.

    Obviously, the Autonomous Defense systems of the new vehicle are not working correctly, or the Self-Driving Shuttle would have flattened the tires of the truck that was attempting to ram it.

    More field tests, and plenty of ammo are obviously still needed.

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  4. Re:Human reaction vs machine reaction by tehcyder · · Score: 3, Funny

    the 75% of the world who actually like driving manually (or at least like having the option)

    You can't argue against solid statistics like that!

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    To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it