On Fri, 7 Dec 2018 13:07:53 +0000, Roland Perry
wrote:

In message , at 11:04:05 on Fri, 7 Dec 2018,
Recliner remarked:

Do any self-driving cars depend, or plan to depend, on continuous, reliable
access to a data network? It sounds most improbable. How would they
operate at all on remote roads with no signal?

They will need periodic access to update their mapping data, report back to
base, or update software, but shouldn't need continuous access.

It's been said that if in a situation of gridlock on a stretch of road,
the cars would communicate with each other to decide a priority to
proceed.

Would they use the phone network or, much more probably, some sort of
short range digital radio?


That's a more immediately real time situation than still importantly
attempting to avoid obstructions occurring at short notice such as RTAs,
and this week Network Rail closing the A10 level crossing at Littleport
for hours, so they could get machinery in place to fix a broken rail.

I wonder if that sort of information could not also be broadcast like
traffic alerts are now?