<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"Hitachi tossed its hat into autonomous car ring today, alongside the likes of Audi, Google, and Nissan, by unveiling ROPITS (Robot for Personal Intelligent Transport System). The single-seat conveyance employs highly accurate 3-D mapping software and GPS technology to find its way, and relies on cameras and 2D and 3D laser distance sensors to avoid obstacles like bumps in the road, potholes, and pedestrians. The ROPITS can adjust its speed or move out the way if needed. An active suspension and dynamically-adjusting wheel height keep the top-heavy machine from tipping over on uneven surfaces.  Users simply climb into ROPITS through a front hatch, punch their destination into a touch-screen tablet or Smartphone, and the connected car takes it from there. In case of emergencies, riders can control the vehicle with a joystick located in the cockpit. Users can even call the ROPITS to come pick them up wherever they are.        While the vehicle is still in development, Hitachi claims that ROPITS is already capable of driving itself to within a yard of its destination. But unlike the autonomous entries from Audi, Google, and Nissan, the ROPITS is not for designed for typical every day travel. Instead, it is built for travel over very short distances. And with a top speed of less than four miles per hour, it won&amp;#039;t be setting any asphalt on fire. via The Verge, CNET "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/future-cars/news/a4021/hitachi-autonomous-vehicle-ropit/>