When Do You Think The Self-Driving Car Concept Started, And With What Car?

[saforwardlook]

Was wandering around in the Imperial Club site in preparing for the restoration of my 1960 Crown Coupe and tripped on this article. Some very creative guy in Belgium was way ahead of his time:

1960 (Chrysler) Imperial with Revolutionary Safety Features

(Self Parking Feature As Well)

This particular car may not have been the very first one, but it still surprises me that the concept was this far along 57 years ago. There is much more information that continues on the site. The car was for sale in 2012:

 

[CanCritter]

early attempt....lol

 

[detmatt]

I wish it would have stopped back then.

 

[BigblueC]

James Bond right there, actually I'm surprised this car didn't make an appearance in one of the first few movies. As much as I hate the idea of self driving cars, one for work sure would save me lots of time as I drive 40-50K annually (work only).

 

[300rag]

Would you look at that. It appears to have started with a Chrysler Imperial.

 

[Carmine]

Would you look at that. It appears to have started with a Chrysler Imperial.

I will not let this evil be hung on the Imperial...

Another bold but ultimately unworkable idea for the big 1957 Packards was the "radar brake." This comprised a small grille-mounted radar sensor connected to an electric screwjack that engaged or disengaged the brakesindependently of the driver. As Stout related, the radar brake proved itself when a Four Hundred hardtop so equipped was driven at a wall.

But later, "a company official drove the home. On his first right turn the sensor picked up a cross-traffic car waiting for a light. Screech! Halt! Recovering, our shaken driver proceeded down a narrow street with parked cars, two-way traffic and pedestrians, all of which alarmed the sensor. . . . Our official was astounded made a beeline for the company garage."

One of the most remarkable improvements in the works is the radar brake which might well be the first step toward completely automatic car operation.

The radar brake will be directed by a screen mounted in front of your grille, small enough so that it will hardly be noticeable. From the screen will be transmitted bounce-back detection beams, just like wartime radar. Whenever the beams hit an obstacle ahead they’ll message back to the brake system. The brakes will automatically take hold through a system of solenoids, reducing car speed even if the driver is unaware of what’s ahead.

An adjustable “bounce” is hooked up with car speed so the safety factor will be as worthwhile at top highway speed, with greater distances between cars, as it is at relatively modest speeds where you are apt to crowd closer to the car in front. Of course the beam can be cut off entirely for city driving so you won’t be stopping and starting in continuous jerks.

 

[ceebuddy]

I didn't know the car nor the man! It's fascinating because it is very advanced for its time.

It somewhat reminds me of the imagination behind such drawings:

 

[Wildaugust]

I don't know, but I hope it ends pretty soon.

 

[Wildaugust]

early attempt....lol

Nice seats!

 

[saforwardlook]

I dread self driving cars myself. People use their brains too little as it is. We're gonna have robots everywhere, even in our houses making dinner soon. I am glad I wasn't born any later!

 

[BigblueC]

People use their brains too little as it is. We're gonna have robots everywhere, even in our houses making dinner soon.

Have you ever seen the animated movie WALL-E where the fat people float around in hover chairs drinking big gulps and loosing bone mass? That's where I think our society is heading.

 

[Xenon]

WALL-E ,, excellent movie...
Just think, self driving cars means no more
going 70 mph the posted 55 mph expressway.... (yawn)
Also means noooo more speeding tickets issued so many
communities will loose some major revenue ......

 

[Carmine]

WALL-E ,, excellent movie...
Just think, self driving cars means no more
going 70 mph the posted 55 mph expressway.... (yawn)
Also means noooo more speeding tickets issued so many
communities will loose some major revenue ......

They will find ways to make it up, as sure as the sun will rise. Pay by the mile anyone?