Will automakers be ready to deliver self-driving cars by 2020?

In prior posts, we have noted that some automakers have made it a goal to introduce a driver-less car by the end of the decade. While we understand that this is a lofty (yet achievable ) goal, there is still a great deal of research and development to do before we see these cars on the road. After all, these goals were part hypothetical and part hype that went with auto show displays.

However, one automaker has stepped forward and has announced definite plans to have a car ready by 2020. Nissan Motor Corp announced that it will have cars “packed” with autonomous driving technologies that year; but whether consumers will be able to take advantage of them depends largely upon whether government regulations will allow them.

Regulatory guidelines will undoubtedly be a huge part of whether driverless cars will be on the road at the end of the decade, since there must be rules governing whether there must be a human behind the wheel should the autonomous technology fail. In a prior post, we noted the danger of such technology being hacked and how it could lead to vital functions being compromised. Imagine what could happen if a remote hacker took control of a car’s acceleration or braking systems?

Because of this, it will be critical for automakers to be able to meet governmental standards for human drivers to have constant access to vehicle controls, as well as for anti-hacking software to protect these systems.

It remains to be seen whether these can be established in the next five years.