AI is upon us. Self-driving cars have been touted as the next big thing for years. The marriage between the two appears as promising as ever and yet — are AI cars actually a thing?

The automotive industry has significantly changed in recent years. Cars have become smarter, more technologized, and all the more complex. The next logical step would be to integrate AI into them.

Granted, some cars already feature some AI technology, but we’re talking about true, self-driving cars. Essentially, by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into vehicle technology, AI-powered cars, often referred to as autonomous or self-driving vehicles, promise to transform our driving experience by improving safety, convenience, and efficiency.

But with these advancements come questions about how safe these vehicles are.

Cybersecurity is a problem

An especially important concern is cybersecurity.

You can’t have driverless cars without cybersecurity. These vehicles rely heavily on complex software and connected systems to operate safely. Autonomous vehicles process vast amounts of data from sensors, cameras, and communication networks to navigate and make real-time decisions. Any breach could be devastating, allowing hackers to manipulate these systems, potentially causing accidents, endangering lives, and compromising personal data. Additionally, as self-driving cars are integrated into smart city infrastructures and connected to other vehicles, a cyber attack could have far-reaching consequences, disrupting entire transportation networks and undermining public trust in this emerging technology.

To protect themselves, drivers and owners of self-driving cars can take several proactive measures. Regularly updating the vehicle’s software ensures that the latest security patches are installed, reducing vulnerabilities. Using strong, unique passwords for all connected accounts and avoiding public Wi-Fi for vehicle-related transactions can further safeguard against unauthorized access. Drivers should also stay informed about potential cybersecurity threats and follow manufacturer recommendations for securing their vehicles.

As AI-powered cars become more connected, one might even consider protecting your car like you protect your smartphone or laptop. One option for the owners of self-driving vehicles is to buy a VPN, which is a helpful tool for securing their online connection and safeguarding all the data transactions that are happening in the vehicle. This could help keep your vehicle safe from different cyber threats but it’s essential to ensure that any add-on to the car won’t interfere with its performance.

But this is just one part of security for an AI car.

How AI in Vehicles Works?

AI in cars involves a range of technologies designed to enable vehicles to navigate and make decisions independently. These technologies include:

• Sensors and Cameras: AI-powered cars use a combination of sensors, radars and cameras to detect and interpret their surroundings. These devices help the car “see” objects, recognize road signs, and monitor other vehicles and pedestrians.

• Machine Learning: This is a branch of AI where the vehicle learns from experience. For example, the more a car drives, the better it becomes at predicting and responding to different driving scenarios. Machine learning algorithms help the car improve its performance over time.

• Decision-Making Algorithms: AI systems use complex algorithms to make real-time decisions. For instance, if a car detects an obstacle in its path, the algorithm decides whether to stop, steer around it, or take other appropriate actions.

Safety Features of AI-Powered Cars

AI-powered cars are designed with several safety features that aim to reduce accidents and improve overall road safety.

Adaptive Cruise Control: This feature uses AI to adjust the car’s speed based on the distance to the vehicle ahead. It maintains a safe following distance and can automatically slow down or speed up as needed.

Lane Keeping Assist: AI monitors lane markings and helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane. If the car starts to drift out of its lane, the system can provide steering input to guide it back.

Automatic Emergency Braking: This system detects potential collisions and applies the brakes automatically if a crash is imminent. It helps reduce the severity of accidents or prevent them entirely.

Collision Avoidance: AI systems use data from sensors and cameras to identify potential hazards and take actions, such as swerving or stopping, to avoid collisions.

Real-World Testing and Safety Records

Before AI-powered cars are allowed on public roads, they undergo rigorous testing to ensure their safety.

This process begins with simulation testing, where manufacturers use computer models to assess how the AI systems respond to a variety of driving scenarios in a controlled setting. These simulations help identify and address potential issues before real-world deployment.

Following simulations, the cars undergo on-road testing to evaluate their performance under actual driving conditions. This includes assessing how the AI manages different weather conditions, traffic situations, and road types, providing crucial data on its ability to handle everyday driving challenges.

Additionally, safety ratings from organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) play a significant role in this evaluation process. These ratings offer insights into how well autonomous vehicles perform in crash tests and other safety assessments, ensuring they meet rigorous safety standards before they are allowed on public roads.

Addressing Safety Concerns

Despite the advancements, there are still concerns about the safety of AI-powered cars.

AI systems may struggle with certain driving conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, or complex urban environments. Ensuring the technology can handle a wide range of scenarios is crucial for safety.

Furthermore, the interaction between human drivers and autonomous vehicles can be unpredictable. For example, other drivers may not always behave as expected, and the AI must be able to handle such unpredictabilities effectively.

The future of AI-powered cars looks promising, with ongoing advancements aimed at improving safety like better-adjusted algorithms, more precise sensors, and regulatory developments.

While there are still challenges and concerns to address, ongoing research, development, and testing are paving the way for safer and more reliable autonomous vehicles.

All this being said, we can look forward to a future where AI-powered cars contribute to safer roads and a more streamlined driving experience.