October Meeting (Zoom) 10/13/21

The Continuing Challenges of Self-Driving Cars

Autonomous cars can drive better than humans--on some roads at some times. Lidar, other sensors, and artificial intelligence never get sleepy, inebriated or bored on long stretches of limited-access highways. But they get confused by the unexpected or poorly marked, from stopped fire trucks flashing bright lights to solar glare or snowstorms. This talk will explore the technology behind autonomous driving.

Jeff Hecht writes about lasers, optics and other technology for magazines including Laser Focus World, New Scientist, Optics & Photonics News, and IEEE Spectrum. His latest books are Understanding Lasers and Lasers, Death Rays, and the Long, Strange Quest for the Ultimate Weapon. His website is https://jeffhecht.com/