Self-driving cars operate thanks to brain simulation technology

India startup Minus Zero develops zPod, a self-driving public transport vehicle with a mind of its own.

The zPod is described as India’s first autonomous vehicle, built on artificial intelligence created by Minus Zero itself. In other words, they built AI software that taught the zPod how to drive itself. In fact, they created AI with key computing capabilities drawn from how the brain works, Design Boom reported on December 12.

Minus Zero's AI software is inspired by the way the human brain processes information using neurons. In turn, the AI seeks to simulate the way the brain processes problems, which then contributes to the zPod's learning, behavioral cognition, adaptation, episodic memory, and decision-making. According to the research team, through brain-based AI design, the autonomous vehicle can decide where and how to drive, how to avoid obstacles and accidents on the road, and how to handle problems on the road, compared to relying entirely on computer algorithms. In August 2023, Minus Zero will let zPod test on the road and carry passengers on its own.

Minus Zero developed True Vision Autonomy, a system that is installed on the zPod self-driving car model, from AI software. This system is not only scalable but also works in many different situations. To drive itself, zPod uses cameras instead of sensors to observe and understand the road and surrounding situations. The autonomous system, including both software and hardware, is designed to operate in real time, so zPod can make quick decisions while driving itself. Minus Zero said the technology focuses on safety, especially in emergency situations, ensuring that passengers are not in danger.

The zPod also has a built-in GPS system for navigation purposes. As the camera scans the surrounding environment, the vehicle can capture a 360-degree image, thereby predicting whether to continue moving forward or stop to let other vehicles pass. As the camera takes a real-time picture and evaluates the surroundings, the image is processed by the computer system located in the seat.

Minus Zero says it has two processing systems on board, the active system that drives the vehicle completely autonomously while the backup system makes decisions in case of roadside breakdowns or engine problems. The zPod can accommodate four passengers sitting facing each other on either side of the comfortable seats.

An Khang (According to Design Boom )

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