The autonomous future

Like it or not, cars that drive themselves are on the horizon. Will you trade control for safety?

“Imagine a world where there are no car crashes and very little traffic congestion,” said Larry Burns, General Motors Vice President of Research and Development and Strategic Planning. “Imagine being virtually chauffeured safely in your car while doing your e-mail, eating breakfast, and watching the news.”

But wait; many of us still enjoy the act of driving and would not trust a car-borne computer to assume command. GM R&D Executive Director Alan Taub understands, but countered: “I love to drive, but there are times when I would prefer to hit a button and go read my Blackberry instead of taking the wheel. Our goal is to provide that capability.