Military Interest in Self-Driving Cars
Practically all automobile manufacturers, technology companies, ride-share companies, and insurance companies feel that autonomous vehicles will be safer and more efficient. The general public is not yet convinced.
A lot of people say they’re not ready to trust riding in a self-driving car. Despite the negative perceptions of many, the US military is interested in embracing this still-developing technology and has begun testing it on a 21-mile stretch of Interstate 69 in Michigan.
Improving vehicle communications in military convoys
According to Digital Trends, The system currently being tested by the military doesn’t actually drive the trucks. It uses sensors developed by the Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) in Warren, Michigan. The road testing is being done in nearby St. Clair and Lapeer Counties. The TARDEC sensors notify all vehicles in the convoy of road conditions, bridges, vehicle slowdowns, and other possible obstacles.
Michigan moves forward with connected cars
The state of Michigan is ahead of most other states when it comes to connected car technology. It passed a bill in May of 2016 authorizing the sale and use of self-driving cars. By passing legislation that allows autonomous car tests and convoys of driverless trucks on public roads, the lawmakers show they want Michigan to stay the US auto capital.
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