JIADUAN
JIADUAN
By the year 2050, self-driving cars will change the way we travel. Cities will look like something from a science fiction movie, with cars moving smoothly through smart roads. These cars will hardly ever crash. Inside, they will feel like moving living rooms, with virtual reality (VR) for fun and spaces to work or relax. This essay explains today’s self-driving technology, what it might look like in the future, the good and bad effects it could have, and proof to support this future.
Today's self-driving cars mainly rely on some hardware and software to achieve some self-driving functions. Common hardware includes lidar, high-definition cameras, millimeter-wave radar, and ultrasonic sensors. These devices help cars "see clearly" the surrounding environment and achieve 360-degree perception. For example, Waymo's self-driving cars use lidar to create 3D maps and can also identify traffic lights and pedestrians (Infomineo, 2023). Inside the car, there is also powerful computer hardware, such as NVIDIA's DRIVE Orin platform. This platform combines GPU, CPU and specialized deep learning chips to provide up to 254 TOPS computing power (Wang et al., 2024), this allows the car to quickly handle complex driving environments and improve driving safety and efficiency. In terms of software, self-driving cars use deep learning algorithms to identify objects such as other vehicles or pedestrians and plan driving routes. In addition, the car will connect to the cloud through a 5G network to obtain real-time traffic information (Liberty Advisor Group, 2021).
By 2050, autonomous driving will achieve full automation (Level 5), This means that the vehicle can complete driving tasks independently like a human driver in any environment and under any conditions. New types of computer chips will help the car think faster, even in tricky situations. Next-generation computing chips, such as neural network accelerators, will enhance processing speeds for complex traffic scenarios (Wang et al., 2024). 6G networks and satellite navigation will enable seamless vehicle-to-“traffic brain” communication, optimizing routes dynamically. Passengers will interact via holographic interfaces or brain-computer interfaces, customizing experiences like VR meetings. Software will leverage advanced AI algorithms and blockchain-based V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication for data security and privacy (Singh & Saini, 2021). These systems will enable vehicles to navigate autonomously in any weather or complex environment, no human intervention required.
Positive Impacts: According to relevant data, 94% of human-caused accidents will be reduced (InclusionCloud, 2023), and safety will be greatly improved. At the same time, the intelligent transportation system will optimize routes, reduce congestion, thereby improving traffic efficiency (Litman, 2024). In addition, self-driving cars will also provide independent travel capabilities for the elderly and people with disabilities, promoting social inclusion (Ohio University, 2024).
Negative Impacts: High development costs (Level 4/5 systems add ~$5,000 per vehicle) may limit initial adoption (McKinsey & Company, 2023). Data privacy and cybersecurity risks will rise, with communication channels vulnerable to attacks (Singh & Saini, 2021). In addition, autonomous driving will replace driving-related jobs, and practitioners will need to learn new skills (Brookings, 2021).
I argue that the future of autonomous driving is bright due to its potential to enhance safety, efficiency, and inclusivity. Litman (2024) predicts that autonomous vehicles could reduce traffic emissions by 40%, supporting sustainability (Litman, 2024). InclusionCloud (2023) notes that AI’s predictive capabilities can lower accident rates by 94%, significantly improving road safety (InclusionCloud, 2023). Ohio University (2024) highlights that autonomous vehicles can provide access to healthcare and groceries in rural areas, improving quality of life (Ohio University, 2024). To address cost and privacy challenges, blockchain technology can secure data (Singh & Saini, 2021), and government-backed infrastructure investments will accelerate adoption (HERE, 2024).
By 2050, autonomous driving will create a safe, efficient, and inclusive transportation future through AI, smart infrastructure, and 6G networks. Despite challenges like cost and privacy, technological advancements and policy support will ensure its potential is realized, redefining mobility.