The Big Gamble on Self Driving Cars

We've been waiting for the self-driving car since the 1950s, but where is it?

In each episode of End of the Line, manufacturing veteran Jim Anderton expresses his compelling and unique opinions about the state of the manufacturing sector. He shares his thoughts and insights to help engineering and manufacturing professionals navigate through the challenges of world events, the blending old with new technologies, evolving processes, gaps in skilled labour, in an effort to help maximize productivity of their daily operations.

In this episode, Jim discusses the self-driving car, a staple of sci-fi books and movies and predicted by automakers as far back as the 1930’s, as was shown in a 1935 Chevy promotional film. With Cruise Automation’s application with the California DMV for a permit to operate autonomous vehicles in the city of San Francisco with no safety driver board, the future is about to enter the present.

Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.