How do driverless cars work?

27th June 2025

With the recent announcement that Uber is partnering with UK-based AI firm Wayve to launch driverless vehicles, we explain what to expect.

To me, driverless cars feel like science fiction, something so advanced that it doesn’t seem possible. In 2025 though, the future is here, and various companies are attempting to make robotaxis work.

For many of us, the idea of a machine doing the driving might seem scary: to reassure you, we thought we would break down the various technologies involved so you can better understand why it might be even safer than having human drivers.

Sensors: driverless cars use Light Detection and Ranging sensors to create a 3D map of the environment around them, allowing them to navigate obstacles and road markings. Radar can help to detect objects, while cameras can recognise traffic signs and markings and ultrasonic sensors that can be used for close ranged detection when parking. With all these combined, driverless cars have eyes everywhere (and unlike a human, can’t be distracted)!

Navigation: Global Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) work together to ensure the vehicle goes where it needs to – like a Satnav that adjusts without human intervention. 

Software: the software in these driverless cars can help them to do a lot of things. Sensor data can identify objects and track movements, referencing map data to determine the car’s exact position on the road. Machine learning and computer vision can classify objects like pedestrians or bikes, while other software allows the car to plan the best and safest route through any environment. Using all this data, the systems then convert this to how the car moves.

Safety: while driverless cars in themselves are safer than having people driving, as they have many more features in place and can’t become distracted or make as many mistakes, safety features are still important. There are fail safe systems in place for brakes, steering and power, real time analysis to monitor system health and cyber security measures to protect against unauthorised access.

So, when driverless cars are implemented – and it is a matter of “when,” not “if,” – you can trust that they have all the latest technology implemented to keep you safe and to travel efficiently.

If you would like to know more about the latest technology related news, remember to check in with Interfuture Systems.