研究人员:无人驾驶摩托车提供安全保驾护航

Researchers: Driverless Scooter Provides Safe and Easy Ride 研究人员:无人驾驶摩托车提供安全保驾护航

Driverless technology is quickly progressing, with many cars being tested on roads around the world.

Now, researchers in Singapore are testing a different kind of self-driving vehicle - a scooter.

The scooter has four wheels and a single seat. It can move at speeds of up to six kilometers an hour. It is equipped with sensors¹ to help it avoid people and objects.

The scooter was developed at the National University of Singapore. Researchers with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) also took part in the project.

This experimental vehicle was designed for people who cannot, should not or do not want to drive a car. It could help older adults, the disabled or people who are too young to drive.

The scooter can be used outside or inside buildings.

Marcelo Ang is with the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the National University of Singapore. He says the scooter can be especially useful for people who use wireless³ devices while walking on city streets.

“I'm sure you have experienced people, just using their handphone while walking, and almost running into you. Would be so nice if you are just sitting down and checking your emails, and doing some things.”

Ang demonstrated the technology and said the scooter has completed many successful tests at the university. He said the first model was built with “off-the-shelf” materials that did not cost a lot of money.

The researchers hope the scooter will decrease the need for automobiles⁴, which can lower pollution and reduce accidents.

Earlier this year, Singapore became one of the first cities in the world to launch driverless taxi service. Developers of the scooter say it can work together with ride-sharing services to make trips completely seamless.

Kevin Xiangyu Hui, a university student, tested the scooter and said he found the ride was very smooth and safe.

“When you sit on this machine, you feel really relaxed and it’s really cool.”

The scooter has yet to complete a series of road tests so it is not available to buy… yet.

Words in This Story

scooter – n. small vehicle with a motor used for transportation

sensor² – n. a device that can sense light, heat, sound, motion and provide information about it

off-the-shelf - adj. available from existing materials

seamless - adj. moving from one thing to another easily and without problems

relaxed - adj. feeling satisfied and comfortable

1 sensors   

n.传感器，灵敏元件( sensor的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• There were more than 2000 sensors here. 这里装有两千多个灵敏元件。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Significant changes have been noted where sensors were exposed to trichloride. 当传感器暴露在三氯化物中时，有很大变化。 来自辞典例句

2 sensor   

n.传感器，探测设备，感觉器（官）

参考例句：

• The temperature sensor is enclosed in a protective well.温度传感器密封在保护套管中。
• He plugged the sensor into a outlet.他把传感器插进电源插座。

3 wireless   

adj.无线的；n.无线电

参考例句：

• There are a lot of wireless links in a radio.收音机里有许多无线电线路。
• Wireless messages tell us that the ship was sinking.无线电报告知我们那艘船正在下沉。

4 automobiles   

n.汽车( automobile的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• When automobiles become popular,the use of the horse and buggy passed away. 汽车普及后，就不再使用马和马车了。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Automobiles speed in an endless stream along the boulevard. 宽阔的林荫道上，汽车川流不息。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》