Hybrids for blind people
Robotic cars will forever change the auto industry
If you follow this blog, then you know I’m a big fan of auto-drive technologies. I believe such technologies will revolutionize the auto industry in ways we’re only beginning to imagine today. Minimally, significantly increased safety will help lighten cars. This alone could be critical to mainstreaming battery-powered technologies.
Then there are numerous car-sharing options, including driving options for the blind based upon Virginia Tech research.
At the Daytona International Speedway, researchers have been using a Ford Escape hybrid to test out a new technology that enables blind people to drive, using much of the same technology used for auto-drive cars.
According to Fox News, the latest “demonstration at Daytona took place before blind supporters and fans gathered for the Rolex 24 sports car race as part of the National Federation of the Blind’s Blind Driver Challenge to develop a car blind people can drive independently.”
While enabling blind people to drive is an interesting off-shot of auto-drive technologies, it’s the ability not to drive while commuting that really trips my trigger. Forget the stress and catch a nap instead, or watch reruns of your favorite show. Or, get to work on the way to work.
It’s the end of the car as we know it, and the beginning of a whole new world of transportation.