Re:Volkswagen exec admits full self-driving cars 'may never ...
by Animats on Saturday January 18, 2020 @10:42PM
(#22089294)
Volvo has proposed some rather simple infrastructure - driving magnetized nails into the pavement as a lane hint. This is mostly because they have to deal with heavy snow. It's not the sole, or even the primary guidance system, but it helps. They also suggest that snowplows could use the magnets for guidance. In snowy areas, it's common to use posts or flags or even overhead signs (in Hokkaido) to show where the road is.
[ Parent
| on HN ]
Re:Volkswagen exec admits full self-driving cars 'may never ...
by SECProto on Sunday January 19, 2020 @01:37AM
(#22089840)
Possibly something between lifts of asphalt would work. But a nail through the surface layer of asphalt would allow water in, and mess with the structural integrity of the wear surface. Also, the water it allowed in would freeze and expand and likely push the "nail" upwards - leading to punctured tires. I'd be curious to read a bit more if you have a link.
The overhead lane markers in Hokkaido work well, but would be an expensive retrofit elsewhere (not the poles themselves, but the foundations)
Re:Volkswagen exec admits full self-driving cars 'may never ...
by WalterBright on Saturday January 18, 2020 @10:46PM
(#22089302)
It's a cool idea, but nails rust, meaning a maintenance issue and outages. Is there a magnetic material that doesn't corrode?
Re:Volkswagen exec admits full self-driving cars 'may never ...
by dredmorbius on Saturday January 18, 2020 @11:29PM
(#22089486)
The signal doesn't have to be strong, only detectable.
The nails aren't structural, only a signal.
Multiple nails mean the signal is highly redundant, depending on density.
Regular maintenance could detect weakening signal (rusting nails) and result in new nails being inserted.
Iron oxide remains (weakly) magnetic.
Treatments (galvanised nails, coated, etc.) could slow corrosion.