When Sony presented its SC-1 autonomous vehicle concept, many speculated for him a future as an autonomous shuttle for parties and events.
Evidently in those parts they had the same idea. After all, autonomous vehicles will be the queens of the party in the near future delivering pizzas, mail, passengers e other.
The news of the day is that the PlayStation company has started a partnership with Yamaha for a "social" version of the SC-1.
This is an expansion of the concept designed for use in theme parks, golf courses and shopping centers.
With a much expanded set of sensors, five generous seats (instead of the three seats foreseen at the beginning) and a system of interchangeable batteries that increase its autonomy, SC-1 definitely changes its vocation.
A world apart
The massive presence of sensors completely eliminates the need for any window. For this reason, a 4-inch 49K screen provides an increased view of the outside, while outside, 4 55-inch screens provide passers-by with information and advertising.
Curious application of artificial intelligence that will perhaps be massive in the future: advertising will be able to adapt to whoever is watching it.
For example, if SC-1 "sees" that at that moment the passers-by are all kids, it will pull out an advert for a toy. Other content may be distributed by gender, age, even body size of passers-by.
The SC-1 entertainment shuttle is expected to be used by Sony and Yamaha in Japan in the coming months. To be precise, a Sony statement says, “by the end of March 2020”.
I doubt, however, that it will be sold directly: I imagine it will be used directly in special projects and in closed circuits.
Imagine a use in the monumental areas of Rome: going up in SC-1 you could take a tour of the Baths of Caracalla, for example, seeing both the current state and a VR reconstruction of the area. A kind of guided tour through the various eras. The applications of this autonomous shuttle are endless.
Sure, the spectacular speed of 18 kilometers per hour might tickle strange cravings in you adrenaline runners, but I think you have to settle for selected pedestrian areas.
Then? Ready to get on board? Who knows what they are doing in there.
Source: Sony
