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Recently, I took a long drive in heavy rain and wind in a 2019 Honda Ridgline with all the lane keeping, radar cruise, etc. activated. The vehicle is quite happy to drive itself on the highway for 30-40 seconds before the algorithms decide that you have to take the wheel. Strong, gusty winds that require constant corrections in an analog vehicle aren't even noticed as the system reacts faster than I could. Momentary hydroplaning resulted in some beeping and a slight slowdown as the cruise kicked off. I was very impressed with the complete system. However...
The vehicle has no soul. IMO, an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle is like a robot dog. Sure it will do all the things a bio dog will do with speed and efficiency but it never tug on its leash or piss on your floor or chase the neighbours cat. I think that is what is so special about our cars and others like them. It shits on your lawn, chews up your shoes and scares the mailman but just when you have had enough, it is waiting there by the door, happy puppy, ready to see what is around the next bend.
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