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​What can a computer learn from a race car driver?

​In a talk for the Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders series, mechanical engineer Chris Gerdes discusses the development of autonomous vehicles—and where they go from here.

Split-second decisions get made on a racetrack, but what happens on the highway when algorithms are in control? | iStock/AvigatorPhotographer

Split-second decisions get made on a racetrack, but what happens on the highway when algorithms are in control? | iStock/AvigatorPhotographer

On the racetrack, the checkered flag goes to the car that’s driven to its limits and maneuvered decisively in the moment.

On a two-lane road, the split-second act of passing a vehicle stopped in front of you becomes a way more complicated call when algorithms are in control. Autonomous-vehicle maker Chris Gerdes (link is external), professor of mechanical engineering, applies these findings and more to business and life. Watch the full talk below or read the transcript (link is external).