Common Issues with Driver-Assist Vehicles

Sudeep Moniz, who works with NIC Holding Corporation in New York, keeps up with trends in new technology. One of Sudeep Moniz's recent interests is self-driving capabilities for vehicles.

While self-driving technology has steadily improved since the first tests, driver-assist technology cannot yet drive vehicles safely on its own. Most systems still face a variety of issues, some of which are outlined below.

Lane-keeping in unusual circumstances presents challenges for self-driving vehicles. Hills and curves often lead to a vehicle moving over the center line or edge, touching the line, or disengaging the system. The Tesla Model 3 experiences these incidents less frequently than other models, such as the Volvo S90 or BMW 5 series.

Obstructions in front of signage can also presents difficulties for the algorithms that guide these vehicles. Even subtle graffiti or camouflage can cause the miscategorization of signs that would be completely legible to a human.

Other challenges self-driving vehicles face come from the natural world. Seagulls can stop vehicles by standing on the street, and inclement weather can change the vehicle's perception of the road, thereby confusing the system.

Volvo Launches End-To-End Autonomous Vehicle Mine Hauling

Sudeep Moniz is a New York based professional who stays apprised of the latest technological trends. A particular area of interest for Sudeep Moniz is automation and autonomous driving. One recent development in this area involved Volvo's announcement that it was setting in place a fleet of self-driving trucks that would handle all aspects of site-specific limestone hauling.

Unusual for a vehicle manufacturer, which would traditionally sell the vehicles and autonomous driving systems outright, this venture takes the form of a partnership. Centered on the Bronnoy Kalk mine in Norway, it involves transporting limestone three miles to a port facility. The mining company is paying Volvo a certain sum of money for each metric ton delivered, which provides Volvo with a strong interest in the arrangement's outcome.

The autonomous project is described as being valuable to Volvo in allowing the company to fine tune its self-driving vehicles currently under development, with a focus on future international markets. In addition, it hints at a new long term business model, one in which vehicle manufacturers offer end-to-end autonomous system solutions.

Tesla’s Air Filtration Capacities Highlighted in California Wildfires

Long Island, New York-based Sudeep Moniz works in the energy industry and is interested in technological developments. Areas in which Sudeep Moniz is especially interested include vehicle automation and companies developing electric cars such as Tesla.

Amidst the tragic wildfires that recently spread across Northern California, Tesla Models X and S were in the news for a feature that had previously drawn skepticism. CEO Elon Musk announced bioweapon defense mode as one that takes advantage of the vehicle’s HEPA filter, which is 10 times larger than those found in average cars.

This provides passengers with protection from airborne pollutants such as those from wildfires. The HEPA filter is described as being 100 times more effective than traditional automotive filters, with 99.97 percent of gaseous pollutants and fine particulate matter eliminated. In tests, the HEPA filtration system of the Model X was able to scrub air throughout the SUV interior within two minutes and even improve air quality outside the vehicle.

In addition to promoting Tesla’s air filtration capacities, Musk has been active in encouraging employees, many of whom have been impacted, to volunteer in relief efforts “without worrying about payment.” A key form of assistance might involve transporting people through areas of high pollution with Tesla's air filtration system at work.

Three Promising College Basketball Freshmen to Watch in 2018-19

Sudeep Moniz earned a bachelor's degree in operations research and engineering management systems from the Columbia University in 2010 and has worked in the financial services field ever since. When he isn't working, Sudeep Moniz enjoys following college basketball.

While some freshmen take time to adjust to playing at the college level, others excel from the start of the season. Below are three highly-regarded freshmen who could be game-changers in 2018-19.

1. Zion Williamson - Along with fellow Duke freshmen R.J. Barrett, Williamson is one of the most acclaimed freshman in all of college basketball and has a legitimate chance to earn ACC and National player of the year. As a senior with Spartanburg Day High School in South Carolina, Williamson averaged 36.4 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 3.4 steals per game. 

2. Nassir Little - An incoming freshman with the University of North Carolina, Little could also compete for the ACC Player of the Year, especially if he develops chemistry with Luke Maye and the rest of the team's veteran core.

3. Prentiss Hubb - A freshman guard with the University of Notre Dame, Hubb was listed as the 87th-best freshman in 247 Composite rankings, but the combo guard has a strong chance to be in the Fighting Irish's starting lineup by the end of the season.