Welcome to DriverlessEd
The series helping people better understand autonomous vehicles, the technology behind them, and their benefits
Teaching consumers about autonomous vehicles (AVs)
Everything from the tech that powers them, to the rigorous safety practices and the rider experience
For most of us, driver’s ed was a right of passage. We learned the rules of the road, as well as how to operate a vehicle. With the advent of driverless vehicles, Motional is bringing you #DriverlessEd, where we’ll answer the most common questions about AVs, while explaining how they work and what you can expect in your first ride in a robotaxi.
The Difference Between ADAS And AVs
Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) - such as adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection - are increasingly common features in personal vehicles. But even the most sophisticated driver assistance features doesn’t make the car an autonomous vehicle. In this chapter, we discuss the differences between an AV and a vehicle with ADAS.
Enjoying the Ride
To earn widespread adoption, AVs need more than just cutting-edge technology. Riders want the vehicles to be safe, as well as comfortable and easy to use. Chapter 3 explains how AV companies like Motional are using research to understand what makes a ride comfortable, the types of features passengers expect, ways to make the vehicles accessible, and even how AVs can communicate with people.
Ready To Launch
Before robotaxis can start picking up passengers, a lot of work has to take place behind the scenes, to ensure the fleet can operate safely and reliably. Explore Chapter 4 to learn more about these tasks, which include creating high-detail street maps, building a garage, and completing test drives.
Outside Your Ride
When developing autonomous vehicles, nothing is more important than safety. The safety of those driving, walking, or biking near our robotaxis is just as important as the safety of the person inside the vehicle. Learn how our vehicles respond to their environment in the latest chapter of #DriverlessEd.
