Early Concepts of Autonomous Vehicles
The idea of self-driving cars dates back to the late 19th century, rooted in science fiction and early engineering experiments. In 1898, an American inventor named John Hays Hammond Jr. demonstrated a radio-controlled model boat, hinting at remote vehicle control. By the 1920s, science fiction writers like H.G. Wells envisioned cars navigating without human intervention.
These early concepts laid the groundwork for automation in transportation. For example, in 1939, at the New York World's Fair, General Motors showcased the Futurama exhibit, featuring highways with radio-controlled cars—a visionary application of automated driving.
Key early innovations included:
- Electromagnetic guidance systems in the 1950s, where GM engineers tested cars following buried wires in the road.
- Computer-assisted steering prototypes in the 1960s, using basic sensors to maintain lane position.
This foundational period shifted focus from manual control to assisted driving, setting the stage for true autonomy.