Google self-driving cars, which are being tested in Austin, Texas, are getting confused when they see bicyclists doing a tricky maneuver called "track stands." It involves balancing the two-wheeler on its tires during a complete stop, while the rider's feet stay on the pedals. The tech giant's autonomous vehicle (AV) reportedly got hung up when a cyclist made adjustments while doing the balancing act at an intersection.
Engadget reported that the bicyclist near the Google robot car made some small movements to maintain his balance while waiting for the traffic light to turn green. The car then rocked forward as if revving up to race.
In fact, the bicyclist explained that every slight movement he made caused the Google AV to lurch forward and then slam on its brakes. However, the bike enthusiast also admitted that he felt safer around the robotic car than a manned vehicle, according to Engadget.
The bicycler was unharmed. However, the smart car's motion sensors were uncertain how to process the biker's erratic movements, and it could create a dangerous situation in an intersection full of automobiles, bikes, and pedestrians, according to State Column.
Google is certain the software bug in its unmanned car is not major. It told the Washington Post that such real- world situations will improve its self-driving cars. That will help the search engine giant to plan for every possible scenario on roadways ranging from small lanes to major highways.
Google's driverless cars are still a work in progress. However, it has made phenomenal progress in the past few years, and is on the leading edge of making autonomous vehicles a reality for drivers worldwide.