Are autonomous vehicles really smart? Check how a simple trick can fool them

Waymo, a prominent player in the autonomous vehicle industry, encountered an intriguing example of “edge cases”. Jason B Carr, wore a t- shirt with “s
...
Waymo
A Waymo autonomous taxi in San Francisco, California, US. (Bloomberg)
Waymo
A Waymo autonomous taxi in San Francisco, California, US.

Autonomous vehicles represent a revolutionary leap in transportation technology, promising safer roads, more efficient travel, and greater accessibility. However, as with any emerging technology, they face a range of challenges, particularly in navigating the complexities of real-world driving scenarios. One such challenge involves encountering unexpected situations, often referred to as "edge cases," which can test the capabilities and decision-making processes of autonomous systems.

In the realm of autonomous vehicles, developers often grapple with what are known as "edge cases" – those unusual, unpredictable scenarios that can confound even the most advanced driving algorithms. Recently, Waymo, a prominent player in the autonomous vehicle industry, encountered an intriguing example of such a scenario, courtesy of Jason B Carr, an eBike enthusiast and content creator based in Arizona.

Also check these Bikes

Find more Bikes
Zelio Gracy I (HT Auto photo)
Range Icon120 km
₹56,825
Compare
View Offers
Numeros Diplos I-pro (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon3.7 kWh Range Icon140 km
₹ 1.52 Lakhs
Compare
Yulu Wynn (HT Auto photo)
Range Icon68 km/charge
₹55,555
Compare
Ampere Magnus (HT Auto photo)
Range Icon45.0
₹49,999
Compare
View Offers
Hero Electric Nyx (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon1.536 kWh Range Icon130 km
₹ 0.62 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Okinawa R30 (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon1.25 KWH Range Icon60 km/charge
₹58,992
Compare

Carr stumbled upon a clever way to manipulate Waymo's autonomous test vehicles: by donning a simple t-shirt adorned with a stop sign graphic. This low-tech trick proved surprisingly effective in halting the progress of Waymo's Jaguar I-Pace vehicles during testing. Carr documented his experiments in a video, showcasing how the autonomous vehicle would come to a halt upon encountering his makeshift stop sign.

Initially, there was speculation among viewers that the vehicle's response might have been due to mistaking Carr for a pedestrian stepping into traffic rather than recognizing the stop sign. To test this hypothesis, Carr repeated the experiment from the safety of the sidewalk, still yielding the same result – the autonomous vehicle stopped in response to his signal.

Further testing, including nighttime trials, revealed nuances in the vehicle's behaviour. While the I-Pace sometimes stopped upon detecting Carr's stop sign t-shirt in the dark, it wasn't consistently responsive. This inconsistency could be attributed to the t-shirt's lower visibility compared to a genuine stop sign, raising questions about the vehicle's ability to distinguish between real and simulated signals.

Also Read : Robotaxi mishap: Unexpected visitor at construction site. Check details

Despite the humorous undertones of Carr's experiments, they underscore a critical aspect of autonomous vehicle development: the challenge of addressing edge cases. These unexpected scenarios, whether prompted by creative interventions or occurring organically, highlight the complexities involved in designing AI systems capable of navigating the myriad situations encountered on the road. While Waymo has yet to comment on Carr's findings, his experiments serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing quest to refine autonomous technology and enhance its adaptability to real-world conditions.

Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape.

First Published Date: 06 May 2024, 19:11 PM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Check Latest Offers

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Select a dealer

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy
Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.