Slate CEO talks accessories, third party parts, Slate Marketplace (TechCrunch interview)

[Bayfire2441]

As I pointed out in a prior response of the group of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are different than the Legacy Driver Assistance Systems (LDAS): Antilock Braking System, Traction Control, and Stability Control. The legacy systems provide passive control of the chassis because through computer assistance and specific mechanical hardware the brakes and engine torque in more precise manner than the driver can provide simply because the controls don't exist and really can't exist because the human only has two feet and two hands. All have limitations based the laws of physics. All fail safe. All can't overcome driver substantial driver error.

ADAS on the other hand take over safety responsibility from the driver, which is a vastly more in-depth mission statement. These systems have been developed in reaction to automakers building in distracted driver systems (i.e. the infotainment screen), which itself was added technology in attempt to control distracted driving from idiotic use of smart phones when driving. The concern here is as you stated, "you can't make a computer understand every scenario", which will eventually lead to drivers who do not have the capability to take over control of the vehicle when the ADAS reaches its limits because they never gained the skills through experience and practice.

@Daemoch mentioned air flight, which is quite insightful (and my area of experience with automation). While both commercial and general aviation aircraft have high levels of automation (along with redundant systems) the ultimate responsibility for control of the aircraft falls on the pilot(s). "Pilot(s)" because there is redundancy needed in the human system too. The difference between aviation and ground transportation is threefold, (1) pilots are constantly trained and retrained and tested for suitability to fly aircraft, (2) aircraft fly in 3-dimensional airspace (vs. 2-dimensional "groundarea"), and (3) aircraft fly in highly controlled airspace - for the most part. But the real foundation of air flight safety is pilot training (i.e. "better pilots").

To answer your question though. My answer is... No, we should demand "better drivers". I think Slate has the right idea, through the machine, make the driver more responsible for safety rather than less. That is the biggest value of the brand, in my opinion.

I would consider SuperCruise to be more of a comparison specifically to autopilot if you want to go that route. Being marketed correctly and used correctly and those stats have already been stated here as well. It works. I personally think that there is a better chance of getting these computers to be adequate in most scenarios than making regulation tighter on driver's license and education. Some people just can't handle driving. Which doesn't work in a country that basically requires it. Not to mention that the amount of drivers that get licensed in a given year is a magnitude higher than pilots added each year. If a computer can fill that gap, that's great if you ask me. All of that being said, I do think ADAS should continue to be devolped. I also must state again, I don't believe the steering wheel should be taken out of vehicles. I also think developing ADAS for the Slate would be a stupid use of the teams time and resources. Not to mention be against the thing they are aiming for. But I also can't say I wouldn't be interested if the aftermarket made it a thing.

 

[E90400K]

I would consider SuperCruise to be more of a comparison specifically to autopilot if you want to go that route. Being marketed correctly and used correctly and those stats have already been stated here as well. It works. I personally think that there is a better chance of getting these computers to be adequate in most scenarios than making regulation tighter on driver's license and education. Some people just can't handle driving. Which doesn't work in a country that basically requires it. Not to mention that the amount of drivers that get licensed in a given year is a magnitude higher than pilots added each year. If a computer can fill that gap, that's great if you ask me. All of that being said, I do think ADAS should continue to be devolped. I also must state again, I don't believe the steering wheel should be taken out of vehicles. I also think developing ADAS for the Slate would be a stupid use of the teams time and resources. Not to mention be against the thing they are aiming for. But I also can't say I wouldn't be interested if the aftermarket made it a thing.

SuperCruise uses all the same sensors and adds mapping and GPS tracking. People can get better at driving if it is forced upon them to be better. Computers can't solve everything and can't replace everything.

Real safe autonomous driving is going to require controlled groundspace and redundancy, which is not affordable nor practical. But engineers can keep dreaming.

 

[Bayfire2441]

SuperCruise uses all the same sensors and adds mapping and GPS tracking. People can get better at driving if it is forced upon them to be better. Computers can't solve everything and can't replace everything.

Real safe autonomous driving is going to require controlled groundspace and redundancy, which is not affordable nor practical. But engineers can keep dreaming.

I disagree with that. Not everyone can handle being a good driver. Impatience and anger will always be human flaws. I can see computers getting better quicker than I can see governments being competent.

 

[Dorbiman]

People can get better at driving if it is forced upon them to be better.

We can't even get people to wear seatbelts, let alone put their phones down. Maybe we should make it illegal! Oh, wait, lol

 

[E90400K]

We can't even get people to wear seatbelts, let alone put their phones down. Maybe we should make it illegal! Oh, wait, lol

Seatbellt use is over 90%. I'd say the campaign, laws and DOT requirements have made that impact.

Take away driving privileges for 6 months and a huge insurance premium hit for phone use. That may change behavior patterns.

Yet we do the opposite with apple carplay and android auto integration...

 

[Letas]

Seatbellt use is over 90%. I'd say the campaign, laws and DOT requirements have made that impact.

Take away driving privileges for 6 months and a huge insurance premium hit for phone use. That may change behavior patterns.

Yet we do the opposite with apple carplay and android auto integration...

Gotta disagree here- if you accept the premise that everyone has a phone in their pocket to be plugged in to the world - I think Carplay/Android Auto integration is the best thing to happen in terms of driver distraction. A clear, easy display, transfers perfectly car to car, reduces time eyes are off the road, reduces need to pick up the phone.



I plug my phone in, select my music before I drive, set my route on the screen, skip songs the same as I'd "change the radio" and keep updates on road hazards ahead.

 

[Dorbiman]

Agreed. I have a CarPlay headunit in my '05 Silverado, and use the stock steering wheel controls to skip songs, adjust volume, etc. I typically don't even look at it except for the initial selection before I begin driving.