Autonomous vehicles are another example of a flock of independent agents. The underlying idea is the same, although the sophistication necessary to guide a vehicle is vastly greater than that required for “boids” or movie special effects. Computer vision, ultrasonic sensors, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and radar, GPS, and up-to-date detailed mapping all must be fast, accurate and reliable. If a “boid” or a special effects soldier collides, no one gets hurt. This is not the case with vehicles, where a single collision could prove lethal. Not surprisingly, there are spirited debates regarding the ethical and moral challenges posed by fully autonomous vehicles.

Autonomous Vehicles, 2021, Photo: Shutterstock