RobotCar UK is an initiative launched by Oxford University with a major sponsorship by Nissan. Their car platform (no surprise) is the all-electric Nissan Leaf. The difference between RobotCar and the Google self-driving car is one of hardware and software. RobotCar is relying on off-the-shelf components like iPads and PC components. For finding its way around, the car uses a British-developed system of 3D laser scanning.

Surprisingly, the car does not uses GPS at all. Instead, it uses built-in arial maps and an “experienced based” mapping system that leverages recorded video from earlier trips to make decisions about the current one. The computer system looks for consistent and recurring semantic information like road markings, traffic signs and lane information.

This type of model would lend itself to the daily commute, where the same route is completed over and over again. Of course, each trip is different with different traffic, obstacles, deer and pedestrians as potential impedements. RobotCar uses Dynamic Obstacle Detection to look for those objects that “don’t belong” or don’t fit into its pre-conceived view of what should be on its route.

What about the price? Google may be hoping to build a whole new car, but RobotCar sees its system as an after-market accessory, perhaps like a video rear-view, or a car stereo. All of the equipment currently costs US $8,000 but they’re hoping to reduce the price to around $150 with volume.

via: [Guardian]