Hacker Self-Driving Car

San Francisco-based hacker George Hotz, best known for his iPhone jailbreaking skills, has created his own self-driving car technology. The current version uses a 2016 Acura ILX as a test platform, and consists of a 21.5″ display, a mini Linux-powered computer, GPS sensors built into the glove compartment, and cameras mounted around the car. Custom software enables the hardware “learn” to drive intuitively, like a human would. “We have not told this car anything about driving. We’ve shown it 10 hours of human driving footage, and we’re like, Here is what the human did. Behave like that human as much as you can. And you get all of this intuition that you’d never really get in a really big system,” said Hotz. Continue reading for three more cool car technologies.

3. Omnidirectional Liddiard Wheels

Omnidirectional Liddiard Wheels

You don’t need a special vehicle for these omnidirectional wheels, as London-based inventor William Liddiard built a special set that can be bolted onto just about any car, enabling it move in any direction, spin 360° and easily slide into parallel parking spots. “Unlike other omni capable wheels, my wheels do not require the vehicle to be built around them. This is a world first bolt-on application for anything with wheels. They are stronger, faster, and more accurately controlled than prior art. They can take a beating. The tires can have the same build characteristics (siping, grooves, rubber compounds etc.) as regular tires. Now you can drive in all directions, and turn on the spot, when needed,” said Liddiard.

2. Carvana Car Vending Machine

Car Vending Machine

Used car website Carvana wanted to take automobile sales to the next level, so they built the world’s first and only coin-operated car vending machine in Nashville, Tennessee. The system is comprised of a 5-story glass tower that holds up to 20 cars, and inside, you’ll find an automated delivery system, complete with 3 delivery bays. “Our new Vending Machine is a state-of-the-art, multi-story structure that delivers our customers’ cars by merely inserting a custom coin. Carvana’s mission is to create a better way to buy a car, and this new Vending Machine will be a one-of-a-kind experience that mirrors just how simple and easy we’ve made it to buy a car online,” said Carvana CEO Ernie Garcia.

1. PodRide Car Bike Hybrid

PodRide Car Bike

Swedish designer Mikael Kjellman unveils PodRide, an innovative electric bicycle meets tiny car hybrid. Featuring a waterproof shell, a heated windscreen, an ergonamic seat with lumbar support, studded tires for snowy roads, and a comfortable air suspension. “I really like to bike, but where I live in Sweden, the weather is not always very bicycle-friendly. So I designed and built a four-wheeled bike with full fabric body to keep dry and warm in all weathers. I have driven it to work every day for a year now and it has proven to be a very practical and comfortable little vehicle,” said Mikael.

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A technology, gadget and video game enthusiast that loves covering the latest industry news. Favorite trade show? Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.