Google testing 'self driven car' in 'Matrix-style' virtual world

Google is testing its self-driving car in a 'matrix-style' designed digital simulation of the entire Californian road system, and seeking state's regulators for certification based on this virtual driving rather than real driving.

According to The Guardian, the extensive simulation exists entirely inside computers at the company's Mountain View location, and the cars have so far virtually driven more than 4 million miles inside it, facing challenges just like those in the real world, such as lane-weaving motorists, wobbly cyclists and unpredictable pedestrians.

However, California's regulations stipulate autonomous vehicles must be tested under controlled conditions that mimic real-world driving as closely as possible. Usually, that has meant a private test track or temporarily closed public road.

But Google's safety director for the self-driving car programme, Ron Medford has been arguing that the computer simulation should be accepted instead, the report added.