Google’s Self-Driving Cars Will Explore The Desert Roads Of Arizona

Google’s Self-Driving Cars Will Explore The Desert Roads Of Arizona

Google has announced that its expanding its self-driving car tests to Phoenix, Arizona, in order to test how the cars handle high temperatures and desert dust.

Lead Image by Google

Reuters reports that four of Google’s Lexus RX450h SUVs have already been driving around the area to create a detailed prior map of street features — whether that’s traffic signals, road markings or notable curb-side landmarks. Its autonomous cars will use that map to help them navigate the city and its surroundings. The move means that Google is now testing its cars in: Mountain View, California; Austin, Texas; and Kirkland, Washington.

While driving in Arizona might sound easy, it could prove challenging for some of the hardware. Google’s cars use LIDAR to navigate with incredible accuracy, but the sensors can struggle when the air us full snow, sleet, rain — or dust. It will be interesting for Google to see how its existing technologies cope.

Google’s not the only auto maker looking for new challenges: Volvo today announced that is was taking its cars to China.

[Reuters]


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