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Autonomous Car

Overview

An introduction to the concepts and technology behind autonomous vehicles by exploring the different levels of vehicle automation, the sensors and systems they use to navigate, and their potential benefits and challenges. Participants learn how self-driving vehicles perceive their surroundings, consider ethical questions such as decision-making during unavoidable accidents, examine their possible impact on society, and gain hands-on experience through programming or simulation. The requirements also encourage reflection on balancing trust in technology with faith through Proverbs 3:5–6, emphasizing that technological advances should be used to serve others.

Requirements

1. Define what an autonomous vehicle is and explain the SAE levels of autonomy (0 to 5) with examples.

2. List and discuss the potential benefits and major challenges/drawbacks of autonomous vehicles.

3. Identify the main sensors (camera, LiDAR, radar, GPS/IMU) and explain their roles.

4. Explain in simple terms how an autonomous vehicle perceives its environment and makes decisions based on sensor data.

5. Watch documentaries showing autonomous vehicles in action and share your observations.

6. Explain the “Trolley Problem” as it applies to autonomous vehicles. Reflect on ethical choices in the event of an unavoidable accident.

7. Describe two or three specific changes autonomous vehicles could bring to daily life or cities.

8. Choose one of the following:

  • a. Program a small robot to perform a simple navigation task and describe the experience.
  • b. Use an autonomous driving simulator or game and report on what you learned.

9. Discuss the connection between Proverbs 3:5-6 and the development/use of autonomous vehicles (trusting God vs.technology).

Answer key & resources

Adapted from AY Honors/Autonomous Car on the Pathfinder Wiki, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. See the original page's history for its authors.
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