AsianScientist (Feb. 3, 2014) – The Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), a joint venture between the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has launched Singapore’s very first locally-developed driverless car.
Adapted from its prototype driverless golf cart, this driverless car dubbed SCOT (Shared Computer Operated Transport) is operationally-ready for the public roads.
But unlike other driverless cars, which are retrofitted with expensive 3D laser sensors, SCOT relies on low-cost off-the-shelf LIDAR sensors, which enable the car to drive autonomously, independent of the Global Positioning System (GPS). This unique feature allows it to drive even in tunnels and places where GPS signals would be hindered.
The aim of this project is to resolve the “first- and last-mile problem,” which is especially pertinent in view of Singapore’s aging society. It also aims to help promote car-sharing as the driverless car is able to resolve the ‘rebalancing’ issue (i.e. getting the car to the next car-sharing customer once the previous customer drops off the car) when cars are shared.
“SCOT is a testimony of the researchers and students’ talent, innovation and dedication considering that we converted the electric car into a driverless car in just six months at no more than S$30,000 for the sensors and onboard computer. Our demonstration today takes us one step in making driverless cars a reality in Singapore,” said Professor Emilio Frazzoli, SMART’s lead investigator for the Future Urban Mobility (FM) Interdisciplinary Research Group (IRG).
Going forward, the researchers hope to be able to deploy a mobility-on-demand system in controlled areas such as resorts.
——
Source: SMART.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
