The Flat Earth Society

Other Discussion Boards => Philosophy, Religion & Society => Topic started by: Tom Bishop on May 28, 2014, 07:45:33 AM

Title: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Tom Bishop on May 28, 2014, 07:45:33 AM
Google released a video of their self driving car:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqSDWoAhvLU

A couple things I noticed:

1. Subliminal messaging: The people selected for this video are stereotypes who don't look like good drivers (women, the elderly) and Google makes them better drivers with the Google Car.

2. Production slip: How did the blind man at 2:37 see that he was passing those people to yell at them from the window?


Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Vindictus on May 28, 2014, 07:46:38 AM
Kids are probably pretty bad drivers when they can't legally drive.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Lord Dave on May 28, 2014, 10:08:22 AM
1. Its not subliminal, its marketing.  They show the people who would most benefit from the product.  Mainly people who don't drive as well as they used to (age,disability). 

2. There is no indication that the car is passing anyone.  He is simply yelling out the window in hopes that he is heard.  And on a closed track with a camera pointed at you: probably a safe bet he'll be heard at any time.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Gulliver on May 28, 2014, 10:59:27 AM
2. Production slip: How did the blind man at 2:37 see that he was passing those people to yell at them from the window?
You might want to consider that a blind person may be able to 1) see some larger features, (MD, for example, typically only affects straight-on vision.) and 2) hear. (If you bother to listen to the sequence in question you can hear the change in sound while passing the object (the trailer?).)
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Thork on May 28, 2014, 09:36:23 PM
I cannot imagine how many people would lose their jobs if driverless vehicles entered the market. Taxi drivers, bus drivers, lorry drivers, couriers, ... no economy could deal with that.

If you are someone employed to drive, I suggest the instant you see one of these in the wild, you rip the fucking sensor of its roof, puncture its tyres or stuff a potato up its exhaust.

We don't need technology that replaces people. Kill it. Kill it at every opportunity. Otherwise its a world of a few that own all the machines and a world of the rest who have no purpose, no income, no prospects.

Kill the machines. Luddites!
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Rushy on May 28, 2014, 09:50:31 PM
I cannot imagine how many people would lose their jobs if driverless vehicles entered the market. Taxi drivers, bus drivers, lorry drivers, couriers, ... no economy could deal with that.

If you are someone employed to drive, I suggest the instant you see one of these in the wild, you rip the fucking sensor of its roof, puncture its tyres or stuff a potato up its exhaust.

We don't need technology that replaces people. Kill it. Kill it at every opportunity. Otherwise its a world of a few that own all the machines and a world of the rest who have no purpose, no income, no prospects.

Kill the machines. Luddites!

Thork, automation has been taking people's jobs since the beginning of the Industrial age (and before that, even). If your job requires little or no thought on your part, be prepared for the scenario that a machine will do it better and faster than you can. This is why many laborers are now paid so little, they're literally competing with machines.

Fast food restaurants are already investing heavily in automation, too.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: EnigmaZV on May 28, 2014, 10:10:04 PM
We should have never let oxen pull our ploughs. In fact, the plough was a terrible idea.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: fappenhosen on May 28, 2014, 10:52:11 PM
Its cool but I want to see how it handles traffic. Programming a car to react to a static environment is pretty easy (he says puffing out his chest like he knows how to do it) but the hard part is dealing with the other assholes on the road.

Also the spinny thing on top is a bit Lost In Space. I assume its constantly updating Google Street View and by purchasing a Google car you agree to and consent to all images texts, thoughts and emotions experienced both inside and outside the vehicle to be and remain to properly of Google Inc for the duration of your life and thereafter.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Lord Dave on May 28, 2014, 10:54:57 PM
I cannot imagine how many people would lose their jobs if driverless vehicles entered the market. Taxi drivers, bus drivers, lorry drivers, couriers, ... no economy could deal with that.

If you are someone employed to drive, I suggest the instant you see one of these in the wild, you rip the fucking sensor of its roof, puncture its tyres or stuff a potato up its exhaust.

We don't need technology that replaces people. Kill it. Kill it at every opportunity. Otherwise its a world of a few that own all the machines and a world of the rest who have no purpose, no income, no prospects.

Kill the machines. Luddites!
What about the horse stable owners back in the mid to late 1800s?


Its cool but I want to see how it handles traffic. Programming a car to react to a static environment is pretty easy (he says puffing out his chest like he knows how to do it) but the hard part is dealing with the other assholes on the road.

Also the spinny thing on top is a bit Lost In Space. I assume its constantly updating Google Street View and by purchasing a Google car you agree to and consent to all images texts, thoughts and emotions experienced both inside and outside the vehicle to be and remain to properly of Google Inc for the duration of your life and thereafter.
As I understand it, Google has been driving it's prototype cars (not this design but ones with actual controls just in case) for over 2 years.  It's only been in 2 accidents, neither of which was it's fault.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Vindictus on May 28, 2014, 11:44:40 PM
lol, Thork. About 100 years too late to be making those complaints.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Ghost of V on May 28, 2014, 11:45:52 PM
If you are someone employed to drive, I suggest the instant you see one of these in the wild, you rip the fucking sensor of its roof, puncture its tyres or stuff a potato up its exhaust.

The potato trick usually doesn't give the results you'd expect. You'd be better off shooting it with a grenade launcher.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Saddam Hussein on May 28, 2014, 11:49:47 PM
I really don't care how safe these cars are or how many jobs they take.  My main issue is that they're obviously going to be another method of spying on us.  All our travel habits will be recorded and sold to advertisers and the government.  Fuck that.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Fortuna on May 28, 2014, 11:54:41 PM
I really don't care how safe these cars are or how many jobs they take.  My main issue is that they're obviously going to be another method of spying on us.  All our travel habits will be recorded and sold to advertisers and the government.  Fuck that.

Not to mention, you can be offed if necessary very easily.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Ghost of V on May 29, 2014, 12:00:04 AM
This reminds me of an episode of Doctor Who where Google (pretty much) kills people with cars.

http://youtu.be/rDkHwOQoUFc?t=48s
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Pete Svarrior on May 29, 2014, 12:05:25 AM
We don't need technology that replaces people.
If machines replace people in most areas of work, we will no longer need to do work while still having access to the same resources. Yeah, better steer clear of that. Also, vote UKIP.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: rooster on May 29, 2014, 12:22:55 AM
It would just force people to get jobs fixing all the machines in our lives.

And yay for anecdotes! There's constantly a school bus driver shortage in my area. It's enough of a problem where I've seen a few stories in the local news about those poor kiddies who don't have transportation to school.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Lord Dave on May 29, 2014, 12:49:19 AM
We don't need technology that replaces people.
If machines replace people in most areas of work, we will no longer need to do work while still having access to the same resources. Yeah, better steer clear of that. Also, vote UKIP.
But the people who own the machines will demand money for the product. 
Therefore, the access to resources would not exist for those who do not work.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Pete Svarrior on May 29, 2014, 12:55:26 AM
But the people who own the machines will demand money for the product. 
Therefore, the access to resources would not exist for those who do not work.
Why would they demand money if work doesn't exist?
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Vindictus on May 29, 2014, 01:31:31 AM
Barely anyone wants to drive vehicles around all day either. It's a very depressing and underpaid line of work.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Lord Dave on May 29, 2014, 01:38:49 AM
But the people who own the machines will demand money for the product. 
Therefore, the access to resources would not exist for those who do not work.
Why would they demand money if work doesn't exist?
Because they have to pay for the energy the robots use.
They have to pay for the labor in building the robots.
They have to pay for maintaining the robots.

They want money.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Pete Svarrior on May 29, 2014, 02:49:23 AM
Because they have to pay for the energy the robots use.
They have to pay for the labor in building the robots.
They have to pay for maintaining the robots.

They want money.
No, if robots do everything, there is no labour. There is nothing to pay for.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Lord Dave on May 29, 2014, 03:00:18 AM
Because they have to pay for the energy the robots use.
They have to pay for the labor in building the robots.
They have to pay for maintaining the robots.

They want money.
No, if robots do everything, there is no labour. There is nothing to pay for.
You said most, not all.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Ghost of V on May 29, 2014, 04:31:12 AM
I didn't see the car turn at all in that video. Did I miss something?
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: EnigmaZV on May 29, 2014, 06:05:13 PM
There will be a period of time, who knows how long, where it will be a wonderful time to be a driver. You get all of the pay for being a driver, but you don't actually do any work, as the car will drive itself, but it will still be legally required to have a person who can ultimately take control of the vehicle.

EDIT: Also, law enforcement/cities will hate these things, as revenues from speeding/parking tickets will plummet.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: trekky0623 on May 29, 2014, 06:06:40 PM
These are skynet cars. No steering wheel or pedals? Yes, to prevent the helpless humans inside from protecting themselves against their inevitable robot overlords.

Behold:

(http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33581031/Google_Self-Driving_Prototype__1_.0_standard_640.0.jpg)
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: rooster on May 29, 2014, 06:12:49 PM
These are skynet cars.
I was thinking the other day that Google is Skynet. Google Glass and now these cars. They'll be spying on us constantly.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Thork on May 29, 2014, 06:21:55 PM
These are skynet cars.
I was thinking the other day that Google is Skynet. Google Glass and now these cars. They'll be spying on us constantly.
Its way worse than that.
http://money.cnn.com/2013/12/16/technology/google-boston-dynamics-robots/index.html

Google is definitely Skynet.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: rooster on May 29, 2014, 06:25:03 PM
http://money.cnn.com/2013/12/16/technology/google-boston-dynamics-robots/index.html

Google is definitely Skynet.
I've seen those before, but I didn't realize they were Google's. I really hate the way they move. Google will destroy us all.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Thork on May 29, 2014, 06:31:40 PM
Actually, google will destroy itself. A victim of its own success.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-27026704
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: EnigmaZV on May 29, 2014, 08:55:05 PM
I had no idea 'escalator' was a brand name.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Thork on May 29, 2014, 08:57:45 PM
I had no idea 'escalator' was a brand name.
Hence the reason they went bust. We need google to get to that stage. :D
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: EnigmaZV on May 29, 2014, 09:06:44 PM
I had no idea 'escalator' was a brand name.
Hence the reason they went bust. We need google to get to that stage. :D

Except that Otis still makes escalators, and continues to dominate the market.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Thork on May 29, 2014, 09:07:41 PM
I had no idea 'escalator' was a brand name.
Hence the reason they went bust. We need google to get to that stage. :D

Except that Otis still makes escalators, and continues to dominate the market.
Ok, I need a new plan. >:(
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Rushy on May 29, 2014, 09:17:08 PM
It's funny, the game Watch_Dogs has a future "vision" of Chicago controlled by a central operating system that watches everyone and controls everything. Maybe years ago I would think that such a future is impossible. Now? I think it is disturbingly close to reality.

I will never drive in a car I can't control. Nope. Nope. Won't happen.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: fappenhosen on May 29, 2014, 10:06:50 PM
As I understand it, Google has been driving it's prototype cars (not this design but ones with actual controls just in case) for over 2 years.  It's only been in 2 accidents, neither of which was it's fault.

On roads with other cars? Post link please.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Fortuna on May 29, 2014, 10:13:05 PM
These are skynet cars.
I was thinking the other day that Google is Skynet. Google Glass and now these cars. They'll be spying on us constantly.
Its way worse than that.
http://money.cnn.com/2013/12/16/technology/google-boston-dynamics-robots/index.html

Google is definitely Skynet.

When I first saw these, the first thing I thought was what would be the best way to destroy one. You can't tip them over, but the engine is exposed, so it would probably be taken out with a rifle round or two. The final versions will probably have some type of armor plating though. I hate to see how advanced they'll be in ten years.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Lord Dave on May 29, 2014, 10:44:13 PM
As I understand it, Google has been driving it's prototype cars (not this design but ones with actual controls just in case) for over 2 years.  It's only been in 2 accidents, neither of which was it's fault.

On roads with other cars? Post link please.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_driverless_car
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: fappenhosen on May 29, 2014, 10:47:11 PM
That is awesome.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Lord Dave on May 29, 2014, 10:49:15 PM
These are skynet cars.
I was thinking the other day that Google is Skynet. Google Glass and now these cars. They'll be spying on us constantly.
Its way worse than that.
http://money.cnn.com/2013/12/16/technology/google-boston-dynamics-robots/index.html (http://money.cnn.com/2013/12/16/technology/google-boston-dynamics-robots/index.html)

Google is definitely Skynet.

When I first saw these, the first thing I thought was what would be the best way to destroy one. You can't tip them over, but the engine is exposed, so it would probably be taken out with a rifle round or two. The final versions will probably have some type of armor plating though. I hate to see how advanced they'll be in ten years.
I'd imagine a strong magnetic field above it would do the job.
Or just an EMP. 
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Fortuna on May 29, 2014, 10:53:20 PM
These are skynet cars.
I was thinking the other day that Google is Skynet. Google Glass and now these cars. They'll be spying on us constantly.
Its way worse than that.
http://money.cnn.com/2013/12/16/technology/google-boston-dynamics-robots/index.html (http://money.cnn.com/2013/12/16/technology/google-boston-dynamics-robots/index.html)

Google is definitely Skynet.

When I first saw these, the first thing I thought was what would be the best way to destroy one. You can't tip them over, but the engine is exposed, so it would probably be taken out with a rifle round or two. The final versions will probably have some type of armor plating though. I hate to see how advanced they'll be in ten years.
I'd imagine a strong magnetic field above it would do the job.
Or just an EMP.

Yea, that's a smart idea. Then you fry your electronics too. Or you could just shoot it.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Lord Dave on May 29, 2014, 10:56:14 PM
These are skynet cars.
I was thinking the other day that Google is Skynet. Google Glass and now these cars. They'll be spying on us constantly.
Its way worse than that.
http://money.cnn.com/2013/12/16/technology/google-boston-dynamics-robots/index.html (http://money.cnn.com/2013/12/16/technology/google-boston-dynamics-robots/index.html)

Google is definitely Skynet.

When I first saw these, the first thing I thought was what would be the best way to destroy one. You can't tip them over, but the engine is exposed, so it would probably be taken out with a rifle round or two. The final versions will probably have some type of armor plating though. I hate to see how advanced they'll be in ten years.
I'd imagine a strong magnetic field above it would do the job.
Or just an EMP.

Yea, that's a smart idea. Then you fry your electronics too. Or you could just shoot it.
1. Assuming you have electronics on you when fighting this thing.


2.

 (http://www.viewzone.com/emp400.jpg)
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Fortuna on May 29, 2014, 10:58:43 PM
Or you could just shoot it.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Lord Dave on May 29, 2014, 10:59:45 PM
Or you could just shoot it.
But if that thing can carry hundreds of pounds, what's to keep it from being built with very thick armor that's impenetrable to anything but anti-tank weapons?
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: fappenhosen on May 29, 2014, 11:00:33 PM
Or you could just shoot it.

The NRA is defeated in 2019 and the Liberal Communist Fascist government deactivates all guns.
Title: Re: Google Self Driving Car
Post by: Rushy on May 30, 2014, 12:52:31 AM
Or you could just shoot it.

You saying "just shoot it" is the equivalent of the Polish trying to run down German tanks with cavalry and spears.  It will be laughably ineffective.