FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Tech Society Says Automated Cars May Have Limited Future

Computing group says widespread daily use of such vehicles may never be safe or practical.

May 3, 2024
Tech Society Says Automated Cars May Have Limited Future

Full automation has been controversial, and accidents involving automated taxis have spurred some governmental curbs on their use.

Credit:

Pexels/Erik McIean

1 min to read


The Association for Computing Machinery shed doubt on the practicality of fully automated vehicles in a recent informational bulletin.

It said it’s unclear that automatic vehicles will ever reach the point of operating safely without direct driver engagement except in limited circumstances, such as controlled conditions on particular roads.

Ad Loading...

“Many more miles of AV driving are required to establish fully automated vehicles as safe enough to deploy on public roadways,” it said in the bulletin.

“The goal of many automated vehicle proponents is the routine and widespread use of fully automated vehicles on all public roads. For now, however, the feasibility of reaching that goal is uncertain as experimental automated vehicles have caused, and continue to cause, serious injuries and fatalities to public road users, as well as other problems.”

The association, which refers to itself as the world’s largest educational and scientific computing society, offered the perspective as informational rather than aimed at policy advocacy.

Full automation has been controversial, and accidents involving automated taxis have spurred some governmental curbs on their use, including in California, which suspended the deployment and permitting of General Motors’ Cruise driverless taxis in October. Many consumers have also expressed wariness about driverless cars.

Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today

More Showroom

Photo of red SUV parked outside a car dealership after dark
Showroomby Hannah MitchellSeptember 9, 2026

Dealers a Little Down

A third-quarter Cox Automotive survey finds them in a mixed mood, bummed by fallen customer traffic but encouraged by better profits, costs and EV interest.

Read More →
Silver car driving down road with graphic that says “Europe Plugs In”
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceSeptember 9, 2026

European EV Sales Skyrocket

The EV market on the continent held strong in July with almost 25% of new-car sales being fully electric units, a stark contrast to the U.S., where EV sales declined about 42%.

Read More →
Mitsubishi shadow line-up
Showroomby Hannah MitchellAugust 25, 2026

Mitsubishi Unveils U.S. Plan

The automaker announced a strategy that includes an expanded lineup and dealership presence, along with more ‘rugged’ and electric models.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A rear view of a red Hyundai Elantra
Showroomby Hannah MitchellAugust 17, 2026

Used Lots Getting the Business

Many consumers are seeking out the units to save money, and the demand – higher in July than normal – is keeping supply limited and prices up.

Read More →
outside shot of two trucks in front of a body of water with a cloudy sky
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJuly 29, 2026

Used Market Stabilizes

The Carfax Used Car Index noted a major drop in used-vehicle price increases in July after several months of hikes.

Read More →
Twilight of white hybrid car.
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJuly 22, 2026

California Hybrids Reach State Record

The Golden State still leads the country in electric-vehicle registrations, but much like the rest of the U.S. its hybrid market share is up while full electrics stabilize after a dramatic first-quarter dip.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
White meeting room in car dealership with rims displayed on wall and projected screen
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJuly 22, 2026

My Mercedes in the U.S.

The German brand debuted its studio dealership concept for the first time in the states in Los Angeles, tapping Americans’ penchant for creative distinctions.

Read More →
Photo of parked cars of various types for sale on a lot
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJuly 20, 2026

Used Sales Hit Summer Drag

The vacation season, combined with high prices, has dented deliveries and added to inventories, though supply is still slim enough to keep listings elevated.

Read More →
desert road with cars driving away, Rebates Incoming with red star graphic, F&I and Showroom logo
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJuly 15, 2026

California Launches EV Rebate Program

Participating automakers are matching the state's $13.5 million investment in new electric-vehicle rebates scheduled to take effect later this summer.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Aerial shot of a car dealership
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJuly 13, 2026

OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution

Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.

Read More →