The Quality of Self-Driven Cars - Literature review Example

Report on the Quality of Self-Driven Cars By Student’s name Course code + name Instructor’s name University name City, State Date of submission Executive Summary The core subject of this report is to authenticate how self-driven cars have the capacity to improve and maintain the quality of life. Self-driven cars are primarily those driver-less cars. Using an analysis of several peer-reviewed articles sampled for this study, the report will give detailed perspectives of self-driven cars; capturing their mode of operation, their merits, their demerits, and the perception of their acceptability both now and in the future. The report acknowledges the fact that self-driven cars have become part of the current ongoing technological innovations and continues to propel the automotive collective future. Representing a transformative shift in the sector of transport, the report attempts to illustrate that the use and experimentation of this new unique vehicle and how it is bound to bring transformation in the world. Introduction This report reflects the prospects for the future of self-driven cars. By looking intently at issues surrounding the creation of a functioning market for future automobiles, the report seeks to shed light on the practicalities and principles of ‘market making’. The thesis statement, which shall serve as the report’s major argument and standpoint is that: self-driven cars do not improve the quality of life. Some of the hard but instrumental questions the report seeks to answer are as follows: 1) what difference of margin would self-driven cars make in the lives of people using them? 2) Is it really necessary for governments globally to invest in self-driven cars, and if yes, what outcome, effect, and the impact would it make overall? 3) Will the automobile market change, worsen, improve, or become better after the adoption of self-driven automobiles? By considering the above set questions that would act as a bearing for the entire research within the report, the report shall dig deeper to unearth the real cons and pros of self-driven cars. The report shall then give practicable, verifiable, and workable recommendations that can be taken in case the idea of self-driven cars should be pursued. The Disruptive Nature of Self-Driven Cars From the onset of this report, it would be imperative to mention and highlight the differences and noticeable contrasts between self-driven cars and other normal cars. The point of doing this distinction is to determine the disruptive nature of self-driven cars. First, it must be appreciated that self-driven cars are an upshot of newer technology in the market and very different in the model, make, and manufacturer of normal cars. What essentially is coming out of self-driven cars is the primary manufacturer of just normal cars, except that in these newer cars, a lot of software and hardware components are keenly integrated since these cars are not manually operated. They are more of software-operated as compared to manual/automatic gear-driven cars we have in the market. In terms of manufacture, finer computer-like chips are installed in the system and the engine in order to link with the external chassis of the outer body. According to Begg (2014), self-driven cars are designed to be less disruptive in make and manufacture. They should exude less exhaust, for instance, when running. The self-driven cars are stronger in make since they are supposed to counter any accidental attacks in the process of driving. Some automotive technologists have suggested that these new cars are meant to be exhaust-free and would not pollute the environment by emitting dirty and poisonous gases to the environment. The speed of self-driven cars is meant to be faster as compared to the normal cars since they are not humanly operated and incidences of tiredness and short-sightedness do not apply here. The monitoring aspect in these new cars is something which is done automatic and not under any human control. The computer-generated device inside the car is the one in charge of monitoring the progress, the speed, the set traveling distances, and the range of the car from others on the road. Since they are not under the control of normal drivers, but rather operated under the influence of the computer, chances of misbehaving on the road are limited. Reduction of Accidents on Roads One of the considerations that must be observed when thinking of manufacturing and using these self-driven cars is the aspect of accidents. The occurrence of accidents on the road due to the presence of these new cars can be detrimental in case proper moderations and adjustments are not made in advance. In the normal cars, it is commonplace observation that they are driven by all kinds of drivers who are subject to “mess, carelessness, and missing the target”. Since these new ones are purely run by setting a computer device in the steering of the driver, Böhm, Jones, Land & Paterson (2006) postulate that fewer mistakes and recklessness will be made. Google scientists have always asserted that computer-set machines have less than 0.005% significant error; thus implying that these cars would be free from the normal errors most drivers make on the road, leading to very minimal accidents (Bryant, 2012). The Cost of Manufacture The cost of manufacture is bound to eat into the overall quality life of the automotive industry. The mere happiness of introducing self-driven cars should not be mistaken to the normal manufacturing costs incurred in making the normal cars. The new driver-less cars have certain features that are not found in other normal cars. The first feature is the integration of software chip inside the engine of the car. The fact that a software must be made to allow the car to be driven without the control of the driver means that costs should be incurred to hire software technologists to make the software. Making a software is not a one-thing event, but an exhaustive process requiring considerable time. Not just one software but probably several of them would be made and integrated together, then enabled to jointly work together. Software technologists will not just make the software(s) alone but car manufacturers would even consult them in the process of constructing the car until the final output is desirable and satisfies the end-user. Based on the observation by Glancy (2012), “it is not a guarantee that manufacturers will just rise up and make the self-driven car with much success. Rather, they are bound to fail, and most probably will be required to do trial and error successfully until the final outcome is sure.” This statement bespeaks the fundamental cost element when thinking of manufacturing these cars. From the world history of invention, there is no inventory at any particular time who just made an invention perfectly on the first attempt. Since this is the truth even for these new model of cars, any manufacturer contemplating of making these cars would be compelled to set aside certain funds for trial-and-error purposes. Just like any wise manufacturer, during the first attempt of production of products, usually, the first batches of products are produced under a loss. Until only after some time is when the manufacturer breaks even, then thereafter, starts making profits (Khan, Bacchus & Erwin, 2012). Armed with this knowledge, Glancy (2012) holds an assumption that every automotive manufacturer should be prepared with the mindset that more costs should be incurred for these cars as compared to other ordinary cars. The Likely Merits & Demerits Associated with Self-Driven Cars Just like in any venture, there are benefits and drawbacks, but it is important that the merits should always outweigh the demerits. The first pro to driver-less model car is the incidences of having fewer accidents. As indicated in the aforementioned part of this report, these cars do not require extensive involvement of the driver manning the steering wheel. Close to 95% of the entire driving experience is purely and strictly based on computer setting, and the driver will have less time and hustle controlling the steering wheel. Since every driving turn in this kind of car is computer-controlled, the driver will enjoy throughout, remain strenuous-free, and chances of errors will consequentially be reduced. Looking at most productive commutes, it is observed that many people spend a lot of time commuting from place to place using the normal cars. Introducing driver-less cars implies that less time will be used during the traveling process, and this is a big boost to the economy. Having less time will ensure that there are reduced or fewer jams on the roads due to the inauguration of cars. Having driver-less cars will attract increased ownership of many of these cars. This will happen because some of the physically-challenged people who have the capacity to buy cars cannot do so since they cannot drive normal cars. Having these cars will mean that this category of people can comfortably own, drive, and constantly enjoy these cars under their control since the veil of limitation will have been removed eternally. This will translate to more revenue proceeds from the automotive firms manufacturing these cars, because of the multiple numbers of people buying and the increased demand from all groups of people. Bearing these variable features in mind, these automotive companies can further go an extra mile to make compliant seats, sitting suites, and handling gears and appliances for such physically-challenged people. Another merit tied with these cars is having the realization of fewer insurance premiums. In the past and recent times, the insurance industry has been consistently taking lump sum amounts of money from drivers and owners of cars globally due to high chances of accidents, need for repair, reinstatement of cars, and compensation to the loss of cars. Since accidents are numbered top on the list of loss of cars globally, there will be a considerable decrease in insurance premiums (Nyholm & Smids, 2016). In the subsequent section of this report, the demerits are analyzed and compared to the already-mentioned merits. The first demerit of having these cars is the experience of maintenance networks. High maintenance networks will be needed since these cars cannot be driven on roads without being interlinked under certain networks. It is not easy to track and monitor a driver-less car, and this alone bespeaks of the kind of network that should be introduced to track these cars. Every car should have a tracking system installed within it, and this alone is costly to install and maintain from time to time (Suresh & Manivannan, 2014). Sometimes, due to a computer error, even high-tech devices and machinery may fail. In case a car’s computerized system fails, you can imagine the considerable effect- call it a loss, a damage to the car, a fatal accident, injury or even death of the driver, and many other undeserving effects. The knowledge of this statement serves as a pointer that, inasmuch as these cars are a substitute to the normal cars, their failure can cause injurious effects. In this era characterized by modernized digitalism, there are high risks for cyber security. Cyber security is brought about by some people bullying others by taking advantage of their knowledge of computer and making others victim who may not possess equivalent levels of knowledge of computer. Unfortunately, not all people are conversant with the knowledge, skill, competence and experience of the computer even when they are fully literate. Others may take advantage of this situation, and start victimizing drivers who own self-driven cars. There is a high potential for drivers and owners of these new cars to be stolen in what is commonly referred to as “organized crime”. Another demerit tied to these cars is the legal liability. This happens due to the fact that, naturally and from experience, the law is scandalously sluggish to catch up with the new innovative technologies. Even when crime-related cases touching on innovations are reported, often, the law does not understand well the software and hardware components related to the newly devised gadget and systems. To the present, there is no section of the law related to innovations and technologies and is being studied by lawyers or legal personnel. As the norm, most of the cases of innovation and technologies are either brushed off due to scanty information or judged partially and wrongly. Related to legal liability is the concept of having too many suits and complaints from pedestrians and other users on the road who come to report and air their grievances regarding their dissatisfaction of these self-driven cars. So far, the issue of safety (from the general view of the public) has not been solved. The public wants full assurance that both the driver and the pedestrians will be safe and secure in the confines of the autonomous car. Irrespective of the fewer flaws present in the system, still the fundamental worry propelling people to question is the ethical and moral view of how the autonomous car will impact them. Whether engineers have initiated quality and reliability in these cars, people have remained adamant on the potential of these cars causing fatal deaths on roads, since they have never been in existence before. Insofar as this car is likely to be adopted to the roads, the greatest detriment related to it is the fact that it would take many years for all the people to embrace, like, and enjoy it due to the fear of unknown. Traditionally, people are bound to discourage others by asserting that these cars are robot-like and unreliable, and where possible, people will be lured to believe that the normal cars are better off and reliable. Conclusions: Recommendations & Lessons to Put in Place Automotive market makers have to take certain measures that would ensure that the introduction, manufacture, and use of these self-driven cars are effective. The first recommendation is to observe integrity whereby there is need to determine the software and hardware components that should be incorporated together to ensure an efficient system. Secondly, all the mechanical and electrical system should be made to speak to each other within the entire car system. Third, energy management should be well optimized right from the beginning. Fourth, transmission and powertrain ought to be calibrated well in order to maximize fuel efficiency. The suspension of the car should be tuned to allow delivery of a ride experience, purposefully to allow delivery of a ride experience and ensure all the passengers have maximum gratification. Fifth, it is important for manufacturing and engineering teams to be well-positioned to ensure a dependable experience and continuous demand from clients. Reference List Begg, D. (2014). A 2050 vision for London: What are the implications of driverless transport. Retrieved from http://www.transporttimes.co.uk/Admin/uploads/ 64165-Transport-Times_A-2050-VWoSon-for-London_AW-WEB-READY.pdf on December 2, 2015. Böhm, S., Jones, C., Land, C., & Paterson, M. (2006). Part one conceptualizing automobility: Introduction: Impossibilities of automobility. The Sociological Review, 54(1), 1–16. Bryant Walker Smith (2012), Managing Autonomous Transportation Demand, Santa Clara Law Review, Vol. 52, No 4, Article 8; at http://digitalcommons.law.scu.edu/lawreview/vol52/iss4/8. Glancy, D. J. (2012). Privacy in autonomous vehicles. Santa Clara Law Review, 52, 1171. Khan, A. M., Bacchus, A., & Erwin, S. (2012). Policy challenges of increasing automation in driving. IATSS Research, 35(2), 79–89. Nyholm, S. & Smids, J. 2016, ‘The Ethics of Accident-Algorithms for Self-Driving Cars: an Applied Trolley Problem?’ Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, vol. 19, no. 5, pp.1275- 1289. Suresh, P. & Manivannan, P. 2014, ‘Reduction of vehicular pollution through fuel economy improvement with the use of autonomous self-driving passenger cars, JERAD, vol. 8, no. 3A. Urmson, C. & Whittaker, W. 2008, ‘Self-Driving Cars and the Urban Challenge’, IEEE Intelligent Systems, vol. 23, no. 2, pp.66-68. Zakharenko, R. 2016, ‘Self-driving cars will change cities’, Regional Science and Urban Economics, vol. 61, pp.26-37. Read More

Reduction of Accidents on Roads One of the considerations that must be observed when thinking of manufacturing and using these self-driven cars is the aspect of accidents. The occurrence of accidents on the road due to the presence of these new cars can be detrimental in case proper moderations and adjustments are not made in advance. In the normal cars, it is commonplace observation that they are driven by all kinds of drivers who are subject to “mess, carelessness, and missing the target”.

Since these new ones are purely run by setting a computer device in the steering of the driver, Böhm, Jones, Land & Paterson (2006) postulate that fewer mistakes and recklessness will be made. Google scientists have always asserted that computer-set machines have less than 0.005% significant error; thus implying that these cars would be free from the normal errors most drivers make on the road, leading to very minimal accidents (Bryant, 2012). The Cost of Manufacture The cost of manufacture is bound to eat into the overall quality life of the automotive industry.

The mere happiness of introducing self-driven cars should not be mistaken to the normal manufacturing costs incurred in making the normal cars. The new driver-less cars have certain features that are not found in other normal cars. The first feature is the integration of software chip inside the engine of the car. The fact that a software must be made to allow the car to be driven without the control of the driver means that costs should be incurred to hire software technologists to make the software.

Making a software is not a one-thing event, but an exhaustive process requiring considerable time. Not just one software but probably several of them would be made and integrated together, then enabled to jointly work together. Software technologists will not just make the software(s) alone but car manufacturers would even consult them in the process of constructing the car until the final output is desirable and satisfies the end-user. Based on the observation by Glancy (2012), “it is not a guarantee that manufacturers will just rise up and make the self-driven car with much success.

Rather, they are bound to fail, and most probably will be required to do trial and error successfully until the final outcome is sure.” This statement bespeaks the fundamental cost element when thinking of manufacturing these cars. From the world history of invention, there is no inventory at any particular time who just made an invention perfectly on the first attempt. Since this is the truth even for these new model of cars, any manufacturer contemplating of making these cars would be compelled to set aside certain funds for trial-and-error purposes.

Just like any wise manufacturer, during the first attempt of production of products, usually, the first batches of products are produced under a loss. Until only after some time is when the manufacturer breaks even, then thereafter, starts making profits (Khan, Bacchus & Erwin, 2012). Armed with this knowledge, Glancy (2012) holds an assumption that every automotive manufacturer should be prepared with the mindset that more costs should be incurred for these cars as compared to other ordinary cars.

The Likely Merits & Demerits Associated with Self-Driven Cars Just like in any venture, there are benefits and drawbacks, but it is important that the merits should always outweigh the demerits. The first pro to driver-less model car is the incidences of having fewer accidents. As indicated in the aforementioned part of this report, these cars do not require extensive involvement of the driver manning the steering wheel. Close to 95% of the entire driving experience is purely and strictly based on computer setting, and the driver will have less time and hustle controlling the steering wheel.

Since every driving turn in this kind of car is computer-controlled, the driver will enjoy throughout, remain strenuous-free, and chances of errors will consequentially be reduced.

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