Self-driving cars work thanks to brain simulation technology

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

Self-driving cars work thanks to brain simulation technology — zPod road test. Video: *Minus Zero*

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 teaches 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 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 the zPod test drive 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, using AI software. Not only is the system scalable, it also works in a variety of situations. To drive itself, the zPod uses cameras instead of sensors to observe and understand the road and the surrounding situation. The autonomous system, which includes both software and hardware, is designed to operate in real time, allowing the zPod to make quick decisions while driving itself. Minus Zero says the technology focuses on safety, especially in emergency situations, ensuring that passengers are not put in danger.

The zPod also incorporates a GPS system for navigation purposes. As the camera scans the surroundings, the vehicle can capture a 360-degree image, which can help predict 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, an active system that allows the vehicle to drive itself completely while a backup system makes decisions in case of roadside breakdowns or engine failure. The zPod can accommodate four passengers sitting facing each other on either side of a comfortable set of seats.

An Khang (According to Design Boom )

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