Enhancing Sensory Capabilities of Autonomous Vehicles in Boston
Michael Everett, ECE and computer science assistant professor, is enthusiastic about the prospect of introducing Waymo’s self-driving vehicles to Boston. Everett says this opportunity could help address a key technical challenge: enhancing the sensors of autonomous vehicles in adverse weather conditions, like rain, snow, or fog.
This article originally appeared on Northeastern Global News. It was published by Cesareo Contreras. Main photo: Michael Everett, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, says it’s encouraging to see Waymo start testing in Boston. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University
Robotaxis in Boston? Waymo’s test run impresses Northeastern autonomous driving expert
Boston-area residents can’t jump into one of Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing vehicles just yet, but the company has a fleet gathering data in the region, and that indicates the technology is improving and on the way, says a Northeastern University expert.
“What we are seeing is that as the technology is maturing and performance is getting pretty good in these nice warm areas, companies are starting to send vehicles into more challenging environments to at least start to map out the cities and get a lay of the land,” says Michael Everett, a Northeastern University professor of electrical and computer engineering.
Waymo, the self-driving technology company owned by Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has sent out a small fleet of its vehicles to collect data and map out parts of the city, according to a report from WBUR. The vehicles, which are being driven by human operators, will be in the city until the end of June.
 Waymo announced in January that it would be testings its autonomous vehicles in 10+ cities throughout the United States. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via AP Images) |
In a statement to WBUR, a representative from Waymo said the company is collecting mapping data for now and not offering rides to customers. This is part of an announcement the company made this year that it would be testing its vehicles in more than 10 new cities in the United States.
In Massachusetts, the vehicles will be driven in “a range of neighborhoods, from Mission Hill and East Boston to Cambridge, Somerville and Southie” as well as Interstate 90 and Interstate 93, according to the statement.
Everett says he’s encouraged to see Waymo start testing in this area since New England is known for its harsh winters. Self-driving vehicles continue to struggle in these types of environments since snow and other weather environments like rain and fog can interfere with their sensors.