Autonomous technology is nothing new to the automotive world, with many modern-day models already operating with selective autonomous features, but just how far are we from introducing fully autonomous vehicles onto our roads? New recent news has suggested that fully autonomous vehicles could become a reality sooner than we think. As Google tests its own self-drive vehicles, clocking more than 200,000 miles in a fleet of self-driving cars retrofitted with sensors, it seems we are not far from seeing fully autonomous vehicles on our roads at all.
But do they come with risks? In a recent article from The Guardian, law makers have warned that autonomous vehicles must have secure and safe technology to prevent use as an accessory in terror attacks in the future.
Advances in autonomous technology
Most drivers are already familiar with lane departure warning systems, cruise control and active park assist – modern day developments of self-driving technology. Many drivers are progressively trusting their vehicles to carry out tasks which previously would always need to be done manually. We already have systems which keep us in our lanes on dual carriageways and motorways, systems that can parallel park our vehicles for us, and software that automatically maintains a safe, steady speed on the UK’s roads – with some even advanced enough with automated braking systems when tracking the vehicle in front. Self-driving technology is revolutionising the driving experience.
But how do we reach the next step in autonomous technology? For fully autonomous vehicles, manufacturers need to converge sensor-based technologies and connected-vehicle communications, so that they can deliver safer self-driving techniques than what each approach could ever deliver on its own.
However, could jobs be at risk? It has been reported that lorries and trucks are forecast to be some of the first fully autonomous vehicles to be rolled out onto the roads, meaning low-end estimates suggest that over 1.7 million truckers could be replaced by self-driving counterparts – which could rise to as high at 3 million, ridding trucks of their manual drivers. But does this also mean that truck attacks could be an even bigger threat? VW dealership, Vindis, investigate further:
Is there a risk?
‘Truck attacks’ are currently a global threat – with many terrorists worldwide choosing lorries and vans as weapons for their disastrous attacks. are chosen for their size and anonymity, and have been used to drive into crowded pedestrian areas at high speeds and cause devastating results. It’s predicted that these vehicles will be amongst the first fully autonomous vehicles on our roads, and officials worry they could play a crucial role in mitigating their use as rolling weapons.
Precautions
Luckily, this potential risk has been recognised before the technology rolls out across our roads globally, giving us the time to implement precautionary methods. Legislation has been passed to say that all autonomous vehicle will be armed with cybersecurity technology so that they can’t be used as an accessory in a terror attack. The cyber technology aims to make it incredibly hard, if not impossible, to hack the vehicle for hijack meaning potential terrorists can’t use autonomous technology as an accessory in an attack.
In recent attacks, hire vehicles have been the weapon used to cause mass disaster, meaning hire and rental companies can expect to see stricter regulations and restrictions for the industry. It has been suggested that companies should have access to a wider database that reveals more sensitive information in the future so that companies are aware of individuals that are suspect. Whilst databases currently check against identity, credit and insurance, the threat of terrorism may lead to a more detailed and sensitive database.
Thanks to a leading provider of training and auditing services for the road transport industry, Fleet Source, ‘TRIP’, the UK’s first Terrorism Risk and Incident Prevention suite of products and training to support fleet operators, has been developed. Its aim is to reduce the risks of commercial vehicles being used as a weapon in terror attacks. The products and services serve to educated fleet operators, managers and drivers of the risks of terrorism, the nature of the threats and safety precautions that can be implemented to reduce the possibilities of their vehicle being hijacked, stolen or used in a terrorist incident.
Geo-fencing is a method that the government are looking into in order to prevent further terror threats. The geo-fencing systems will prevent unauthorised vehicles from entering particular areas of a city – the system will slow down vehicles and control the speed as soon as they enter the sensitive area through satellites. The system would automatically connect with the vehicle and retain control so that the vehicle only travels at a safe sped within the area.
As the threat has been identified before the technology is accessible worldwide, it makes sense for worldwide authorities to take the upper hand in implementing anti-terrorism methods before the threat becomes a reality.