Say Hello to AIDA: MIT Robotic Driving Companion
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The photo above is not the actual prototype, but I think it will give you a pretty good idea of what we’re talking about here.
You can’t say that you didn’t see this one coming. MIT researchers are currently knee deep in a project that will create an artificial companion to go along with you on your daily jaunts. The project has been dubbed AIDA, which stands for Affective Intelligent Driving Agent.
The software will be designed to function as a co-pilot in much the same way as our loved ones, when riding shotgun. AIDA will keep track of your speed, whereabouts, and offer directions/assistance when asked.
Since the software will be wired directly into the vehicles computer monitoring system, AIDA will also function as a driving nanny, letting you know when you are speeding, wasting gas, driving recklessly, etc.. A built-in scanner on the dash will follow the expressions on the drivers face. Using the facial signals of wrinkles and droopy eyelids, AIDA will take note when the driver appears sleepy, fatigued, or in a bad mood, offering suggestions to remedy the situation.
AIDA may one day offer a driver everything from company (during a long drive) to solace (when feeling sad). For instance, if the driver is sleepy, AIDA could attempt to keep the driver awake through a game or a story. If the driver is experiencing road rage, it would follow a protocol designed to talk the driver out of their bad mood. If AIDA’a attempts failed, it would suggest the driver pull over and take a break.
To aid in the drivers compliance to the robot, AIWA will most likely take the form of a human-like companion. Not sitting in the seat, mind you, but rather a human image placed on a screen in the front of the dash. It would be programmed to fluctuate its voice patterns, blink, smile, wink, and maybe even tell a few jokes to kick off your day.
The program will be connected to wireless Internet, allowing up to the minute information on traffic, storm watches, and ice warnings. The system will also keep track of fuel prices, recommending the most inexpensive places to fill-up.
AIDA will adapt over time to recognize the drivers routes, habits, and moods, becoming a better and more efficient co-pilot over time.
Source: Computer World
