Uber’s automated commercial trucks require a human driver to______.
A. ?drive on the highway
B. ?handle off-highway driving
C. ?maintain a safe distance from other vehicles
D. ?determine GPS coordinates
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B. handle off-highway driving.
Explanation:
Uber’s automated commercial trucks, like many other autonomous vehicles, are designed to handle specific driving tasks, particularly on highways, where the driving environment is more controlled and predictable. However, autonomous systems still face significant challenges when it comes to navigating off-highway environments.
Off-highway driving can include city streets, rural roads, construction zones, intersections, and areas with complex or unpredictable road conditions. These environments often require more nuanced decision-making, as well as the ability to interact with a wide variety of non-automated vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and other obstacles that may not be as predictable as highway driving.
In these situations, human intervention is still crucial. A human driver is required to monitor the vehicle’s operations and take control when necessary, especially in situations where the system may not be able to handle unexpected obstacles or difficult driving conditions. For instance, the truck may need assistance with maneuvering through tight spaces, interpreting unclear road signs, or reacting to sudden changes in traffic patterns. The human driver ensures that the vehicle operates safely in environments where the automated system may lack the capability to fully take over.
While autonomous vehicles are advancing rapidly, the technology is not yet at the point where it can reliably and safely handle all driving scenarios without human intervention. The human driver, therefore, plays an essential role in ensuring that the vehicle operates effectively and safely in off-highway conditions.
In contrast, highway driving, with its more predictable environment, is where autonomous trucks excel. The truck can typically navigate highways with minimal human involvement, relying on the truck’s sensors, GPS, and automated systems for lane-keeping, speed control, and distance management from other vehicles.