Oxford Scientists Tout Part-Time Autonomous Car

Researchers at the University of Oxford are developing a relatively low-tech system that would enable cars to drive themselves sometimes but not always.

Team leaders Paul Newman and Ingmar Posner in the Dept. of Engineering Science contend that it makes more sense to aim for a future where all cars can function autonomously sometimes rather than some cars that can do so always.

The Oxford system uses low-cost sensors and 3-D laser mapping rather than GPS. The technology enables a normally driven vehicle to build up a detailed picture of its neighborhood surroundings, such as buildings and other roadside features. At that point, Newman says, the car could tell its driver, "I know this route. Do you want me to drive?"

The system signals its ability to take control through an iPad mounted on the dash. The driver touches an "accept" button to allow the car to drive itself. It isn't clear what happens if the system decides it can no longer handle navigation on its own.

The Oxford system, which has been fitted into a Nissan Leaf electric car dubbed Robotcar, costs about $7,600, according to the developers. Their goal is to slash the price to about $150.