[maxerickson]

All new vehicles in the US have computer assisted traction control. For several years now. So a huge portion of drivers are already being assisted by a computer.

It was mandated because it improves safety. Automatic braking is scheduled to be a standard feature in the next 5-6 years.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collision_avoidance_system

I'm happy to concede that these are sort of uninteresting in the context of autonomous vehicles, but they are very much computer systems that assist drivers.

[Ressuder]

Right, which is why I said "not noticably automated" rather than "not automated".

[maxerickson]

You also said It's hard to tell exactly when fully autonomous vehicles will be ready, but I definitely think it's safe to safe to say that there is not going to be any such thing as a computer-assisted human driver in any significant numbers.

I just didn't realize that I definitely think it's safe to safe to say that there is not going to be any such thing as a computer-assisted human driver in any significant numbers. was not intended to be a categorical statement...

[Ressuder]

I did not write what I wrote in a vacuum, it was a response to a post that should make it more than obvious enough what I was talking about. I'm going to quote if here for you:

>"Confession time...

I really want to see fully autonomous vehicles but I don't really believe we'll see them on the road in the next 50 years. I think Google's concerns with being able to reliably pass control between the driver and the computer is warranted. I think that the technology will get stuck in the equivalent of the CGI uncanny valley where they find that the technology has to leave more control with the driver than its capable of to keep the driver engaged but never is capable of full control. My guess is that these systems will evolve into assisted driving technologies that will use force feedback to the driver that will suggest the sanest path but won't take full control until the driver is outside the envelope and will predominantly be used to extend the window where baby boomers can drive and also save inattentive and unsafe drivers for themselves. In other words a drunk behind the wheel is still going to look like a drunk behind the wheel but just less likely to kill someone.

I expect the technology will be displace drivers in military convoys but I don't think it will be good enough for general use. Even if the technology is close I don't think the safety will be as good as the "augmented human" model which will also rapidly improve and so insurance and regulation will continue to hamper rollout.

Would love from those in the know to tell me I'm wrong. I want to believe!"