Hi, so you are doing research on autonomous cars?  That's great, why did you decide to do that?
Look, a vehicle that is capable of sensing its environment and navigating without human input? Too cool! Wanted to know more!
Totally agree!  How long do you think it'll be before they are mainstream?
I am not sure... good question..but should be soon... I mean, who doesn't want reduction in traffic collisions; the resulting injuries; and related costs, including less need for insurance?
Sure! How far advanced in the technology currently? Are there cars yet that are totally autonomous?
Self-driving car
A self-driving car, also known as an autonomous car, driverless car, or robotic car, is a vehicle that is capable of sensing its environment and moving safely with little or no human input.
Self-driving cars combine a variety of sensors to perceive their surroundings, such as radar, lidar, sonar, GPS, odometry and inertial measurement units. Advanced control systems interpret sensory information to identify appropriate navigation paths, as well as obstacles and relevant signage.
Long distance trucks
including translation, legal research and even low level journalism. Care work, entertainment, and other tasks requiring empathy, previously thought safe from automation, have also begun to be performed by robots.
An autonomous car is a vehicle that is capable of sensing its environment and navigating without human input. Many such vehicles are being developed, but as of May 2017 automated cars permitted on public roads are not yet fully autonomous. They all require a human driver at the wheel who is ready at a moment's notice to take