Scientists reinvent the wheel
20 Jul 2007 by Evoluted New Media
Scientists are using the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence to develop the world’s first thinking car wheel.
Scientists are using the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence to develop the world’s first thinking car wheel.
The team, for the University of Portsmouth, say the wheels use microcomputers to perform 4000 calculations per second and ‘talk’ to each other allowing the wheels to think and learn as the car is being driven, making calculations and adjustments according to travelling speed and road conditions.
“Conventional wisdom says you can’t reinvent the wheel. We have done just that. We have taken the wheel, given it brains and the ability to think and learn. It’s a huge breakthrough,” said Dr David Brown of the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Industrial Research.
It is the first time artificial intelligence has replaced fundamental mechanics within a motor vehicle and its inventors hope will mean tighter control, a smoother ride and a safer drive.
Artificial Intelligence controls the suspension, steering and breaking systems, teaching it to adapt to bends in the road, potholes and other potential hazards, and compensating by adjusting the car’s reactions. The information is retained in the computer’s memory and used the next time the car encounters similar road conditions. The car is learning as it drives and adapting its performance accordingly. Crucially however, the team say that the driver will remain in control of the car.
Dr Brown said: “The next generation of vehicles have the potential to be fully autonomous, but where’s the fun in that? People get pleasure from driving and they will always want the freedom to drive how and where they please.”
The ‘smart’ wheel is being developed under a £200K Department of Trade and Industry-funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project with Hampshire-based company, PML Flightlink.
