Autonomous vehicles use a combination of sensors, data processing algorithms, and decision-making systems to determine their speed when potential hazards ahead are not visible. These vehicles rely on a variety of sensors, such as cameras, lidar, radar, and advanced navigation systems, to gather information about the surrounding environment in real-time.
Here's a general overview of how autonomous vehicles make decisions about their speed:
Sensor Data Collection: The vehicle's sensors continuously scan and monitor the environment, collecting data on road conditions, traffic, obstacles, and potential hazards.
Perception and Object Recognition: Advanced computer vision algorithms and sensor fusion techniques analyze the sensor data to identify and classify objects and hazards. This process helps the vehicle understand the current state of the road and detect potential risks, even if they are not directly visible.
Mapping and Localization: Autonomous vehicles utilize detailed maps and GPS data to determine their precise location and position relative to the environment. This information helps the vehicle understand the road geometry and anticipate potential hazards that might not be immediately visible.
Risk Assessment and Decision-Making: Based on the information gathered from sensors, perception systems, and mapping, the autonomous vehicle's onboard algorithms assess the level of risk associated with the current road conditions and potential hazards. This assessment includes factors such as the speed and trajectory of other vehicles, the presence of pedestrians or cyclists, and any known historical data about the road or area.
Speed Planning and Control: Taking into account the risk assessment, the autonomous vehicle's control system determines the appropriate speed to maintain. It considers factors such as speed limits, traffic regulations, road conditions, and the proximity and nature of detected hazards. The vehicle's speed control system then adjusts the vehicle's velocity accordingly to ensure safe and efficient movement.
It's important to note that autonomous vehicles prioritize safety and follow conservative driving strategies when faced with uncertain or potentially hazardous situations. They often err on the side of caution and may reduce speed or take evasive actions until the situation becomes clearer or until they can safely pass the obstacle or hazard.