Artificial intelligence is progressing by leaps and bounds every single day. Fifty years ago, we all thought that by 2020, the roads will be filled with self-driving cars. But the year has come and self-driving cars are still in their trial stages. We do not know when these amazing pieces of technology will take over the roads completely, but what we do know are some of the ultra-cool features that they boast. Here are a few of them:

• Autopilot system

Some self-driving cars, such as the ones by Tesla, which are still in trial mode, use a technology that takes in every minute architectural detail to help you navigate seamlessly through traffic. Its cutting-edge technology is powered by eight high-speed cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and a front-collision radar that detects any potential hazard.

• Vehicle-to-vehicle communication

Through artificial intelligence, two cars will be able to communicate with each other. This technology in self-driving cars will allow the exchange of current positions and fastest routes, and accidents on roads. There is a whole internal network, wherein cars can make intelligent decisions to avoid traffic congestion and also be quick to predict accidental hazards.

• Lidars

Lidar stands for light detection and ranging. It is usually on top of the car; it measures distances and creates invisible beams to build an efficient and precise 3D map. It makes it easier for the car to sense and analyze its surroundings more effectively. This remote sensing tool is slowly picking up pace in many fields today.

• Machine-learning tech

This is a system wherein a computer teaches another computer essential technology to detect lane lines and assists the car in maintaining the same. It also alerts the car to nearby objects, cyclists, potholes, or an old lady crossing the road. This is a self-intelligent system that understands on its own and figures out the best possible solution to problems.

• Radars

This system has been around for a long time and is already in use in some cars. Radars are mounted on the car’s front, back, and sides to keep an eye out on the vehicles around it. The car will automatically speed or slow down depending on the vehicle ahead of it. Its technology is built in such a way that it will always maintain some distance with the car ahead.

• Maps

Before the car starts navigating the roads, its internal lidars and other smart cameras will map out the entire route’s area in extreme detail. The car will then use this information to drive itself better and make smart decisions about many factors—for example, what roads to take to reach the destination as soon as possible. This is not an average GPS system, but a sensor-mapping technology that is 100 percent precise and fast.