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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, professor of mechanical engineering, applies these findings and more to business and life. Watch the full talk below or read the transcript.