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Staying Engaged

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author recounts a near-miss incident while using an automated car, caused by complacency and mistakenly assuming self-driving mode was active.
  • This experience served as a crucial lesson: users must actively monitor and verify automated systems rather than relying on them blindly.
  • The article extends this warning to aviation, urging pilots to avoid similar complacency with modern avionics and continuously monitor critical flight parameters like fuel, navigation, and weather.
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Recently, my wife purchased a new vehicle. This vehicle is amazingly advanced and automated. In fact, at times I’ve called it a rolling platform of networked computers, each of which drives electric motors that control everything from mirrors and seats, to pedals and the steering wheel. 

Of course, it also has a hands-free self-driving mode. For now, that capability is limited mostly to interstate highways. It has other limitations mostly revolving around requiring the driver to pay attention even while the vehicle is driving itself. Somehow it monitors the driver’s eyes and complains if your attention wanders and even suggests you stop for coffee if you seem drowsy. 

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