The Evolution and Naming of Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous vehicles, also known as self-driving cars, driverless cars, or robotic cars, are revolutionizing the automotive industry with their advanced electronics and software. The journey from mere prototypes to everyday use has sparked debates on precisely how these vehicles should be named. As we delve into the future of transportation, it is crucial to understand the various terms and the likely outcomes.

Current Terminology and Preferences

Currently, the term "self-driving cars" is becoming the most popular among industry players and the general public. This name is both concise and user-friendly. In essence, a self-driving car is a vehicle that can operate without human intervention, relying on sophisticated software and sensors to navigate and make decisions. While autopilots in aircraft have paved the way for these innovations, they too have limitations and require manual intervention in certain scenarios. Similarly, self-driving cars may still need a manual driver for specific situations, especially in environments where the sensors are degraded.

Branding and Naming Trends

As with any technological breakthrough, the naming of these cars has been a heated topic. History shows us that the company that names and popularizes a technology often gets to hoist the brand name, similar to how "Retina Display" became synonymous with high pixel density for Apple. In the case of autonomous vehicles, market leaders are likely to establish the terminology that sticks.

Possible Names for Autonomous Vehicles

Self-Driving Cars (SDCs): This term is already in use and is becoming the industry standard. Its simplicity and clarity make it an optimal choice. Driverless Cars: This name emphasizes the lack of human intervention, but it might be too blunt for some users. Autonomous Cars: Although this term accurately describes the technology, it is overly long and complex, which could hinder its widespread adoption. Robocars: This name is catchy and has been used by various companies. However, it might be associated more with urban robo-taxis than personal vehicles in the mind of the public. Fully Autonomous Self-Driving Vehicle (FASDV): This term is precise but far too colloquial and lengthy to be commonly used. Robotic Cars: Similar to "Robocars," this name might work well in certain contexts but could be seen as too niche. Drone (for those without passengers): This term might be better suited for aerial vehicles or personal-use robots, not cars. Autopilot Cars: This name acknowledges the current limitations of the technology and might appeal to tech-savvy consumers.

Ubiquity and Terminology

As autonomous vehicles become more prevalent and ubiquitous, they may eventually merge into the common lexicon of "cars." By then, saying "car" could mean a self-driving car, while "manual car" would need to be specified if the context refers to a traditional vehicle. This transition would signify the end of the "horseless carriage" phase and the start of a new era of transportation where human-driven cars become a relic of the past.

Conclusion

The naming of autonomous vehicles is important, but ultimately, it is the ability to operate without constant human intervention that matters. These vehicles are set to revolutionize the automotive industry, eliminating the need for chauffeurs and drivers and potentially rewriting the job market as we know it. As Bill Woodcock suggested, possibly the term "car" itself will eventually incorporate these advanced technologies, indicating a smooth transition to a new era of transportation.