How Do Autonomous Vehicles Navigate?
2 Answers
Autonomous vehicles rely on GPS positioning systems and onboard infrared sensors for navigation. To achieve autonomous driving, vehicles must master the following judgment factors: 1. Lane differentiation: Infrared sensors distinguish between dashed and solid lane markings to prevent illegal lane changes. 2. Traffic light recognition and vehicle flow detection: Various cameras around the vehicle provide road information feedback. 3. Speed limit awareness: Current autonomous vehicles use 5G technology to connect with traffic authorities' road networks, determining speed limits for specific sections. They control vehicle speed accordingly and utilize 5G to assess real-time traffic congestion, enabling route adjustments for improved commuting efficiency.
Having been in the tech circle for a while, I've learned that autonomous vehicles rely on a robust suite of sensors for navigation. The Global Positioning System (GPS) provides a general location, much like in-car navigation, but lacks precision. Cameras monitor road signs and lane markings to identify directions, while LiDAR uses laser scanning to create 3D maps of the surroundings. Radar detects the distance and speed of obstacles, and ultrasonic sensors assist with close-range perception. These devices operate around the clock, with a data processing unit integrating all information and making real-time decisions via AI algorithms to ensure accurate turns even on complex urban streets. When GPS signals weaken in tunnels or high-rise areas, the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) steps in to estimate motion direction as a supplement. Related technologies, such as preloaded high-definition maps, help vehicles 'remember' routes, and future vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication promises smarter, shared navigation that could reduce congestion risks. Overall, this system combines hardware and software collaboration to achieve high directional accuracy, making it suitable for daily commutes.