Google’s prototype self-driving car ready for road tests

Monday, 29 December 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Google last week unveiled its first functional prototype of its self-driving car and said it plans to test the vehicle on public roads in the Bay Area next year.

The bubble-shaped two-seater relies solely on sensors and software to navigate. It uses a spinning laser scanner on its rooftop, built-in sensors scanning the environment and GPS map data to generate a map of its surroundings, according to CNET and TechCrunch. The car does not have a steering wheel, brakes or gas pedal, though passengers can still use an emergency button to stop the car when needed, according to AFP. Google, along with seven other companies including Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Tesla, has already received permission from California’s Department of Motor Vehicles to test driverless cars on public roads with drivers inside the car. But government approval is still required before the car can operate legally without a human driver, the San Jose Mercury News reported.