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Chapter 4 Hardware, Software, and Mobile Systems
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Figure 4-7
Future Cars Will Drive
Themselves
Source: Dan Race/Fotolia

Dad remembers when he had to drive himself. It was a long and painful process. Now the car
plans the route for him, fills itself up with gas, communicates with intersections so he never gets a
red light, and reroutes itself if there’s an accident or traffic. Most importantly, he doesn’t get mad
at other drivers. Traveling is just easier now.
Later the family plans a vacation to a distant locale. Taking the self-driving car is the way to
go. No airport security lines, family members don’t have to get frisked by overzealous TSA agents,
they get comfortable seats that face each other, they don’t have to pay for their bags, and they don’t
have to rent a car when they get there. Plus, they can leave anytime they like.
Sometimes it’s nice to leave for vacation at night and sleep while you’re “driving.” Driving isn’t
bad when you don’t actually drive.

Self-driving Cars Make Things Cheaper
You’ve seen how a self-driving car can make your life easier. But what about cost? Will it be more
expensive or less expensive than the car you have now?
Self-driving cars will probably be much less expensive over time than your current car. Early
adopters will pay a premium when self-driving cars first hit the market, but that’s true of most new
products.
Cost savings will show up in several ways. In the above scenario, you may have noticed that
the family had only one car. Self-driving cars will be used more effectively than cars are used now.
Most cars sit dormant for 22 hours a day. Sharing a self-driving car could eliminate the need to
have multiple cars. That’s a big cost savings.