About this book:

"Everyday Autonomy" offers a comprehensive exploration of self-driving technology, tracing its evolution from futuristic dreams to current cutting-edge applications. The book delves into the foundational role of artificial intelligence and machine learning as the "brains" behind autonomous vehicles, alongside the sophisticated sensor systems that serve as their "eyes and ears." It introduces the widely recognized SAE Levels of Driving Automation, providing a clear framework to understand the progression from driver assistance to full self-driving, highlighting the intricate technical and ethical challenges—especially around safety and "edge cases"—that developers are rigorously addressing.

Beyond the technology itself, "Everyday Autonomy" examines the profound societal shifts ushered in by this revolution. It forecasts how autonomous vehicles will disrupt urban mobility, reimagining ride-sharing and public transit, and transforming city planning with potential benefits like reduced parking and optimized traffic flow. The book also explores the logistics revolution, detailing the impact of autonomous trucks, drones, and robots on global supply chains and delivery services. Critically, it tackles the complex economic impacts, including job displacement and the emergence of new opportunities, and delves into the ethical dilemmas of programming morality into machines, rethinking insurance and liability, and ensuring data privacy and protection in an increasingly connected world.

Ultimately, this book provides a holistic view of the autonomous future, considering its environmental benefits, particularly when combined with electrification, and its potential to expand accessibility and inclusion for all. It highlights the crucial interplay between technological advancement, regulatory roadmaps, and public perception, emphasizing that integrating everyday autonomy into society requires not just engineering prowess but also thoughtful societal adaptation. "Everyday Autonomy" serves as an essential guide for anyone seeking to understand how self-driving technology will redefine our relationship with transportation and fundamentally reshape our world.

What You'll Find Inside:

• Explore the historical journey of autonomous transportation, from early imaginative concepts to pivotal breakthroughs like DARPA Challenges, setting the stage for modern self-driving cars.
• Understand the foundational role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning as the 'brains' of autonomous vehicles, enabling perception, prediction, and complex decision-making through deep learning.
• Examine the critical sensor technologies (cameras, radar, LiDAR) that act as the 'eyes and ears' of self-driving cars, and how sensor fusion creates a robust 360-degree environmental awareness.
• Learn about the SAE Levels of Driving Automation (0-5), a standardized framework that clarifies vehicle capabilities and responsibilities, guiding development and regulatory efforts.
• Investigate the profound societal impacts of autonomy, including urban transformation, the evolution of ride-sharing and public transit, the logistics revolution, ethical dilemmas of AI, job displacement, and the critical issues of data privacy, protection, and accessibility.

Who's It For:

This book is for anyone interested in understanding the multifaceted world of self-driving technology. It caters to technophiles, industry professionals, policymakers, urban planners, and the general public curious about how autonomous vehicles will reshape transportation, cities, economies, and societal norms. Readers will gain a comprehensive perspective on the technological underpinnings, challenges, and transformative potential of everyday autonomy.