Self-Driving Cars and Artificial Intelligence: Ethical Concerns and Solutions

By Admin Reading time: 8 min read Published on: 14 / 04 / 2023
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Self-Driving Cars and Artificial Intelligence: Ethical Concerns and Solutions

Self-driving cars are the perfect example of AI in cars. These driverless cars rely on the synergy between cameras, sensors, endowments of AI and radars to get from point A to point B. 

The concept of automotive artificial intelligence isn't a new-age concept. In fact, the first prototype dates back to 1939 when Norman Bel Geddes created a car that was run using radio-controlled electromagnetic fields. By 1958, General Motors tried its hands at actualising this concept. This first fully autonomous car was made in the 1980s and ever since there have been tremendous developments in this field. Many countries including Japan, Europe and the UK have started amending their traffic laws to accommodate driverless cars. 

AI in Cars: How It Works

Auto artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly important. This feature is being used in various ways to augment the efficacy in functionality and the safety quotient in cars.

AI in the automotive industry works in the following ways:

  • Self-Driven Cars 

AI is being used for self driven cars where driving decisions are capable of being without any assistance from human intervention. 

  • Driver Assistance 

Many cars use artificial intelligence in cars for adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, collision warning etc. The systems in these cars use AI to detect potential hazards and consequently warn the driver. 

  • Foreseeing Maintenance

AI can be used to predict any kind of discrepancies in the system and accordingly, the driver can be warned about the time when the car shall need maintenance. This can help in saving up on repair costs, big time! 

  • Personalisation 

In order to personalize the driving experience for the driver, AI can learn about the different pre France aids available to them. Examples include music preferences, desired lighting etc. 

AI in Automotive

The following challenges can be attributed to artificial intelligence in cars:

  • Responsibility 

When AI takes control over driving, it becomes difficult to assess accountability in case of any accident or mishap. 

  • Data Safety 

AI relies heavily on procured data and therefore data privacy is a huge concern. 

  • Ethical Responsibility 

Since AI in cars makes decisions that can ultimately impact human lives, the system’s ethical considerations such as saving the life of the passenger or the pedestrian in case of any mishap become a point of discussion.

  • Comprehensive Process 

The process of integrating artificial intelligence in cars is a very comprehensive process and it requires a lot of technical know-how and financial assistance. Therefore, small companies or startups will find it difficult to make inroads in this field. 

Ethical Concerns In Self Driving Cars

Self-driving cars have some ethical concerns such as:

  • Who is responsible if a self-driving car causes an accident?

  • The car's decision-making abilities in situations that involve choosing between one life and another.

  • The privacy of the data that self-driving cars generate.

The possibility of unintended consequences that could arise from self-driving cars.

Solutions to Ethical Concerns

When it comes to the effective and accountable use of automotive artificial intelligence, the following solutions can be deployed and executed:

  • Transparency 

This should be greater transparency in the manner in which AI makes decisions. This will help in building the user’s trust and enhancing his understanding of this system. 

  • Data Privacy

AI in cars should be categorically designed to ensure that the user’s data is used and stored in a safe way. Personal data should never be abused by the AI system. 

  • Regulatory Framework And Guidelines 

Governmental bodies should ensure that there are clear and precise ethical guidelines in place to make sure that auto-artificial intelligence is used in a responsible way. This will help

In harnessing the full power of AI while impeding the onset of any challenges or ethical violations. 

Conclusion

It would be safe to say that AI has transformed the automotive industry in numerous ways including its ability to enhance a vehicle’s safety and improve its fuel efficiency. But as it is true for any new technology, the ethical concerns need to be addressed and alleviated by a collaborative effort from the technology makers, policy regulators and other stakeholders to ensure that the incorporation of AI in the automotive industry is fair and safe. Still you can consult at ABE before buying a new or used luxury car.

More Blogs To Read:

The Transformative Impact of Automotive AI on Future Mobility

Certified Used Cars: Why You Should Consider Them

Best Luxury Electric Cars: High-End Features with Longest Range

Top Best Luxury Cars Coming in 2023

FAQ’s

  1. How can people avoid accidents in AI-driving cars?

AI-driven cars are meant to react faster and with more precision when it comes to human-driven cars. Having said that, it is important for the driver to be vigilant, follow instructions and keep an eye out on the road even when the driving is autonomous. It is important to keep the sensors of an AI-driven vehicle clean to ensure proper functioning. 

  1. How will AI self-driving cars impact the environment?

The latest self-driven cars rely on very efficient and advanced electric engines that generate significantly fewer emissions than internal combustion engines. 

  1. What kind of data do self-driving cars collect, and how is this data used by companies and governments?

Self-driving cars collect a variety of data to make decisions and navigate safely. This data includes sensor readings from cameras, lidar, radar, and GPS devices, as well as information about the car's speed, acceleration, and braking. Additionally, self-driving cars may also collect data on weather conditions, road conditions, and traffic patterns.

  1. What role will AI self-driving cars play in improving traffic flow and reducing congestion on roads?

AI self-driven cars are more capable of navigating dense traffic conditions due to their perceptibility and scanning of their surroundings. When there is less driver frustration and less stop-and-go traffic, there will be less traffic and pollution as well. 

  1. Why is AI driving cars not suitable for Indian roads?

AI-driven cars are not suitable for Indian roads because India has a highly complex and dense traffic system where the roads aren’t appropriately marked. For AI to work effectively, there needs to be a clear and well-defined system of roads which is not the case in India at the moment. Moreover, India also lacks the proper manpower and resources to deliver good quality data and therefore AI cannot work as efficiently here.

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