The Future of the Self-Driving Automobile

In 2004, the Trends editors explained how state-of-the-art technology was moving rapidly toward the day when cars would drive themselves safely, without significant human involvement. Where does this technology stand today? What are the implications? How is this potentially dramatic change in how we live likely to play itself out? Buckle up your seat belt and we'll provide the answers.

The idea of a car that can drive itself is not new.  At the 1933 World's Fair, General Motors sponsored an ex.....