Could the car drive safely by just using the sensors and not using extra computation to process the data? Why or why not?
No, the car cannot drive safely by just using sensors without extra computation to process the data. Sensors, such as cameras, lidar, radar, and other environmental detection systems, provide raw data about the surrounding environment, but they need to be processed and analyzed in order to make sense of the information and make appropriate driving decisions.
Processing the sensor data involves utilizing algorithms and machine learning techniques to understand the environment, identify objects, track their positions, predict their movements, and make real-time decisions accordingly. This processing is crucial to interpret the sensor data accurately, make sense of complex situations, and enable the car to navigate safely.
Without computation to process the sensor data, the car would only receive streams of raw information without any meaningful interpretation or decision-making. It would lack the ability to identify obstacles, pedestrians, traffic signs, or other vehicles, which are necessary for safe and efficient driving. Moreover, processing the sensor data helps the car to respond promptly to changes in the environment, adjust speed, apply brakes, and make various maneuvers effectively.
In summary, combining sensors with computational processing is essential for an autonomous car to gather, interpret, and utilize the environmental information, allowing it to drive safely and make informed decisions on the road.