Will intelligent vehicles evolve into Human-peer Robots?

Abstract

This paper aims at stimulating the discussion on the future of Intelligent Vehicles. It is a position paper, indicating converging technologies that, in our opinion, will have to be used in future Intelligent Vehicles. We present a vision according to which Intelligent Vehicles will evolve into Human-peer Robots, here called Co-Drivers. Co-Drivers will be able to “understand” human drivers and to form symbiotic systems with them. The general architecture of Co-Drivers, the building blocks and the technologies that are needed to bring them to life are discussed, pointing out which parts have been already researched and which gaps still remain. We clarify what “understanding driver” actually means and how a joint system can be obtained. The paper will identify research needs and paths, and hopefully trigger interest.