Regular readers of The Connected Battlefield may have noticed that our product management team often talks about cars. I’m no exception. I’ve always loved cars and the experience of driving. However: I might be the only one of us who’s looking forward to the future, with autonomous driving on the horizon and then flying cars in the concept stage. I’m certainly relishing the prospect of the end of the traffic jam!
For these innovations to come to fruition, manufacturers will have to convince the relevant authorities that the cars (flying or stuck to the ground) are able to reach an acceptable standard of safety. In the world of aviation, these standards have been well developed over several decades, ensuring that air travel is one of the safest means of transport.
High level of trust
In addition to gaining regulatory approval, manufacturers of autonomous cars also have to achieve high levels of trust among their customers. I haven’t yet been in a fully autonomous car - but I have had to perform an emergency stop from over 100mph with my hands on my head instead of on the steering wheel. I hasten to add that this was at a properly organised track day, not on the road - but it was initially very tough to override my instincts to grab the wheel!
This is my first post on The Connected Battlefield since I recently re-joined the Abaco team with responsibility for the Safety Certified portfolio of products. We’re already involved in some very exciting aviation programs, and we’re looking at the technologies and functionality that will be required in the next generation of platforms. Working with our prospective customers to build systems that can safely process disparate data streams into information and then into action is a challenge we value - and enjoy.
I, for one, can’t wait to see how the future looks…
FOOTNOTE: Simon will be attending the Future Airborne Capabilities Environment (FACE) Expo in Dayton, OH, on 17th September, where the Abaco Systems FORCE2 certifiable computer will be hosted at the RTI booth.
