Google first revealed its self-driving car back in May, but on Monday, the tech giant showed the world the “first real build” of the vehicle.
The first version — which was shown off in a demo video — was merely an early mockup, according to Google.
It didn’t even have working headlights, for example.
Since then, Google’s been improving upon the prototype by testing out different ways to make the self-driving car a reality for everyday drivers.
That’s everything from run-of-the-mill car parts, like brakes and steering methods, to the more high-tech bits, such as sensors that make sure the car knows where it’s going.
Google claims that this vehicle is “fully functional.”
The two-seater car has an electric battery, and the speed — for now — is capped at 25 mph. When the car was first unveiled, Google said it will eventually travel up to 100 mph.
The car has software that guides the vehicle without any human intervention, according to Google.
Plenty of other developers are working on driverless cars. Audi, for one, got a permit in September to test out its self-driving vehicle in California. BMW is working on a car that can be parked using a smartwatch app.
For now, Google’s going to spend the holidays testing out the latest prototype on closed tracks. The test drivers are using manual controls with the vehicle, for now, to learn more and perfect the technology.
As for when it actually hits streets for real, Google aims to have the vehicle zipping around Northern California in the new year.
California legalized the technology in 2012, which allows companies to apply for permits for self-driving vehicle tests.
It’s unclear when an everyday person will be able to get in the non-driver’s seat, however. California’s Department of Motor Vehicles put off adopting a set of new rules for driverless cars on Tuesday, according to The Associated Press. The DMV will not allow the general public to use self-driving cars until it’s certain that they are safe.
Source: mashable.com