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A comment on Volkswagen exec admits full self-driving cars 'may never happen'. Parent comment

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?
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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.

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Re:Volkswagen exec admits full self-driving cars 'may never ... by samstave on Saturday January 18, 2020 @10:56PM (#22089355)
How about magnetic hematite mixed into the road building materials; especially as its a biproduct of iron mining...
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Re:Volkswagen exec admits full self-driving cars 'may never ... by Fnoord on Sunday January 19, 2020 @06:29AM (#22090822)
Good point, such an issue could/would become obvious during a multi year trial.
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