As new drivers get more proficient behind the wheel, GM’s autonomous driving coach will gradually make features available.
GM presented a design for an automated vehicle system that could be used to train and measure new drivers in a recent United States Patent and Trade Mark filing. This innovative use of autonomous driving tech can be used to coach new drivers as they learn how to drive on public roads. This innovative use of autonomous driving tech to train drivers, rather than replacing them is an entirely new approach to the use of this new tech.
Autonomous vehicles have captured the attention of most automotive and tech companiesas they strive to build better vehicles that require less driver input. GM defines autonomous vehicles as cars or trucks that can sense their environment and navigate with minimal driver input. GM calls out sensors such as lidar, image sensors, cameras and GPS.
Although smarter vehicles have been made possible by the use of multiple sensors, GM admits in a patent filing that there are times when a human might need to drive the vehicle without assistance. GM identifies situations in which a person may drive to enjoy personal satisfaction and those when an autonomous vehicle cannot navigate.
GM’s autonomous driver trainer was created to prepare people for a future in which they will have to work with autonomous vehicles. GM also points out the benefits of a reduced instructor base, lower costs of teaching and better availability for trainers. The autonomous vehicle will measure student success by measuring all inputs. The car will provide real-time feedback based on student inputs to help students learn how to use the accelerator, brake pedal, steering wheel and steering wheel properly.
As the driver gets more comfortable behind the wheel, the autonomous vehicle will gradually make available car features. This is a far more advanced version of current driver education vehicles, which give new drivers complete control over the truck or car they are driving.