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| Photo courtesy Griffith Universitye |
Technology being developed at Griffith University aims to take automated driverless cars out of science fiction and make them a reality on our roads.
At a world-first demonstration in France last year, driverless vehicles using software and electronics developed by Microelectronic Engineering researchers from Griffith University's Intelligent Control Systems Laboratory in Brisbane navigated roads in complete safety, even overtaking and crossing intersections.
Project Leader Professor Ljubo Vlacic said the aim is to develop vehicles to undertake everyday driving manoeuvres in cooperation with each other, independent of humans.
"Though the possibility of developing a citywide driverless transportation system exists, this research could see driverless vehicles sharing the roads with other road users, including public transportation, pedestrians and vehicles driven by humans," Professor Vlacic said.
The technology could also be used on suburban streets to complement existing public transport by taking people from their homes to bus and railway stations.
"As well as reducing pollution damage in heritage areas and reducing road congestion, traffic noise and energy consumption, the technology can also improve road safety by reducing the risk of driver error," he said.
Other innovative research and technology from Griffith University, as well as from all around the world, will be featured at the Ideas Festival at Brisbane's South Bank from 29 March - 2 April 2006. The four-day festival of ideas, innovation and invention will be presented by the Queensland Government.
Last reviewed 19 January 2006