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Google Puts the "Auto" in Automobile

Voices in News on October 10, 2010 at 1:03 pm PT

Google is all about searching, and among the many things it’s searching for are ways to improve car safety and traffic problems. And to that end, the company has been testing a remarkable bit of technology–automated autos capable of driving in traffic. The Goomobiles have been cruising around California, guided by a combination of video, radar, laser rangefinder and detailed maps (and occupied by by a driver and software engineer for backup). Google figures such technology can cut accidents, boost car sharing, reduce traffic and free up more productive time for the occupants of such vehicles, once they learn to relax.