View source for The Science of Autonomous Vehicles and Traffic Management

== Introduction ==
Autonomous vehicles, also known as [[Self-driving cars|self-driving cars]] or [[Robotic cars|robotic cars]], are vehicles that are capable of sensing their environment and moving safely with little or no human input. They combine a variety of sensors to perceive their surroundings, such as [[Radar|radar]], [[Lidar|lidar]], [[Sonar|sonar]], [[GPS|GPS]], [[Odometry|odometry]] and [[Inertial navigation system|inertial navigation systems]]. Advanced [[Control systems|control systems]] interpret sensory information to identify appropriate navigation paths, as well as obstacles and relevant [[Traffic sign|signage]].

[[Image:Detail-38269.jpg|thumb|center|A self-driving car navigating a city street.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-38270.jpg|thumb|center|A self-driving car navigating a city street.|class=only_on_desktop]]

== History and Development ==
The concept of autonomous vehicles dates back to [[Futurism|futuristic]] visions of transportation in the 20th century. However, it wasn't until the advent of [[Artificial intelligence|artificial intelligence]] and [[Machine learning|machine learning]] in the 21st century that these visions began to come to fruition. The development of autonomous vehicles has been a complex process involving advancements in multiple fields, including [[Robotics|robotics]], [[Computer science|computer science]], and [[Traffic engineering (transportation)|traffic engineering]].

== Technology ==
Autonomous vehicles use a combination of various technologies to perceive and interact with the world around them. These technologies include, but are not limited to, [[Computer vision|computer vision]], [[Machine learning|machine learning]], [[Artificial intelligence|artificial intelligence]], and [[Sensor fusion|sensor fusion]].

=== Sensors and Actuators ===
Sensors are the eyes and ears of autonomous vehicles. They collect data about the vehicle's environment, which is then processed and used to guide the vehicle's movements. Actuators, on the other hand, are the components that physically perform the actions dictated by the vehicle's control system.

=== Control Systems ===
Control systems in autonomous vehicles are responsible for decision-making tasks. These systems take the data gathered by the sensors, interpret it, and make decisions based on that interpretation. This can include decisions about speed, direction, and when to stop or start the vehicle.

=== Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence ===
Machine learning and artificial intelligence are key components of autonomous vehicle technology. These systems allow the vehicle to learn from its experiences and improve its performance over time. They can also enable the vehicle to predict and respond to unpredictable elements of its environment, such as other drivers or changing traffic conditions.

== Autonomous Vehicles and Traffic Management ==
Autonomous vehicles have the potential to significantly impact traffic management. By reducing human error, which is a major cause of traffic accidents and congestion, autonomous vehicles could potentially improve traffic flow and reduce traffic-related fatalities.

=== Impact on Traffic Flow ===
Autonomous vehicles can communicate with each other and with traffic management systems, allowing them to move more efficiently through traffic. This could reduce congestion and improve overall traffic flow.

=== Impact on Traffic Safety ===
By eliminating human error, autonomous vehicles could potentially reduce the number of traffic accidents. This could lead to safer roads and fewer traffic-related fatalities.

=== Impact on Traffic Infrastructure ===
The widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles could require significant changes to traffic infrastructure. This could include the development of new traffic management systems and the modification of existing roadways to accommodate autonomous vehicles.

== Challenges and Controversies ==
Despite the potential benefits of autonomous vehicles, there are also significant challenges and controversies associated with their development and implementation. These include technical challenges, regulatory issues, and concerns about job displacement and privacy.

== Conclusion ==
Autonomous vehicles represent a significant advancement in transportation technology. They have the potential to improve traffic management, increase safety, and transform the way we travel. However, they also present significant challenges that must be addressed before they can be widely adopted.

== See Also ==
* [[Intelligent transportation system]]
* [[Vehicle infrastructure integration]]
* [[Connected car]]
* [[Traffic congestion: Reconstruction with Kerner’s three-phase theory]]

[[Category:Autonomous vehicles]]
[[Category:Traffic management]]
[[Category:Transportation engineering]]
[[Category:random]]