The first ever driverless car drove from Pittsburgh to San Diego in 1995

Ever wondered where the first ever driverless car started its journey? Well, look no further.

As it happens, the car drove from Pittsburgh to San Diego.

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University took to the road in a 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport in the ‘No Hands Across America’ mission.

And all the researchers did was handle the throttle and break.

VISIT SBX CARS – View live supercar auctions powered by Supercar Blondie 

Driverless cars are all the rage nowadays, thanks to their impressive technology.

In fact, China even showcased the world’s first AI-powered driverless car that can drift on snow and ice – which you have to admit, sounds very impressive.

And, one dealership was even known to sell EVs that deliver themselves to their new owners – quite a turn of events, you’d have to say.

But do you actually know just where they came from?

Well look no further as we delve into the lore of the first-ever driverless car.

The driverless car came to life in 1995 at Carnegie Mellon University

Two researchers from the university’s Robotics Institute took to the road and used a computer program to help them get to their destination.

Using the RALPH ((Rapidly Adapting Lateral Position Handler) software, video images were able to figure out where the road was ahead.

Alongside this, the right steering was also worked out to keep the car on the road.

The only control that the researchers actually had? The throttle and break

Now for 1995 – we think this is rather impressive.

The car was fitted with a computer, a camera on the windshield and even a GPS receiver, all powered from the ancient cigarette lighter – which doesn’t exist in most cars today for very obvious reasons.

Considering the DVD was developed the very same year – it’s clear that the driverless car was ahead of it’s time.

Fast forward 30 years and they are now a part of everyday life.

Tesla even offers an ‘Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (Supervised)’ mode within their vehicles – making the strenuous task of driving er… less strenuous.

Tesla itself says that it: ‘reduces your overall workload as a driver.’ Handy, you have to admit.

The first ever driverless car was also known as the Navlab 5 and was donated by Delco Electronics and the mission was nicknamed ‘No Hands Across America’.

Isn’t it amazing to see how much technology has advanced in under a century?

Take a peek at their journal entry here.

DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie