Yes, as we have seen in Cartoons and Science Fiction movies and serials ‘Talking Cars’ is no more just a dream or thought, dream came true with the help of the scientists who have developed a set of algorithms that will allow robotic cars of the future to talk with each other to help avoid accidents.  

Two Indian researchers have come up with cars that talk to each other to avoid accidents; the research was conducted by Dr Bhibhya Sharma and Dr Utesh Chand of the University of the South Pacific. They have developed the mathematical equations which would also instruct robotic cars how to change lanes safely. 

Dr. Sharma unveils his views that the series of mathematical equations would instruct robotic cars when and how to merge lanes, which could lead to less accidents and ease traffic congestions. 

He said that, “Flocking is a biologically inspired technique and a strategy commonly used in robotics. One of the advantages of flocking is that robots can work together and achieve what would take individuals far longer”. 

Truly speaking, as per scientists, each car will be controlled by a centralized brain guided by a series of algorithms. The brain of each car will talk to the other one and instruct them to merge lanes and move in formation together. 

The demonstration of the technique was done by the team using computer simulation and is currently trialing it in two wheel robots. 

The cars have targets they move towards and maintain and when the cars find themselves in a merging situation, one of them will be given the position of leader, the rest will follow, says one of the team member, Dr Chand.

Equations for attraction towards the target, enabling cars to stay inside their lanes and avoid crashing into each other are also completed by the team. They said that the challenge now is to allow the robot to automatically plan how to avoid crashing with the side of the road and cars travelling close by. 

The new discovery of the scientists has been presented at the 1st Rim Mathematical Association (PRIMA) conference in Sydney.

Related Books:
Car Talk
Madison & the Amazing Car
PT&L Ef3 Flying Car/Story of Cars

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Posted by Naresh Koshti on 15 July, 2009 3:00:00 PM IST #