Web giant Google has already changed the way we search the internet, watch video and navigate.
But the firm’s latest breakthrough could be its biggest innovation yet.
The company promises that its self-driving car will enable blind people to drive, as the vehicle takes over nearly all the functions of the car currently controlled by humans.
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‘Look ma, no hands!’ Steve Mahan, who is 95 per cent blind, takes Google’s self-driving car for a spin around Morgan Hill, California
The project has been several years in the making, and was officially unveiled in October 2010.
But recently it has taken a further step forward, after putting blind people in the driving seat and inviting them to test the technology which could revolutionise their lives.
Google has released a video showing Steve Mahan, dubbed ‘Self-Driving Car User #0000000001’, using the car to carry out his daily routine.
Mr Mahan, who is 95 per cent blind, drives to buy a taco and pick up dry-cleaning – activities which may seem humdrum, but which are shut off to many blind people who do not have a companion or carer to accompany them.
Home again: The car could revolutionise the lives of blind people like Mr Mahan
Although Google employees sat with the driver in the Toyota Prius, they were not involved with the vehicle’s navigation during the journey around Morgan Hill, California.
Instead the car, which was patented in December, uses cameras, radar and lasers to move safely around pre-programmed locations.
Mr Mahan’s test drive leaves him clearly delighted with the life-changing vehicle as he jokes: ‘Look ma, no hands… and no feet!’
At the end of the journey, he tells his passengers: ‘You guys get out, I’ve got places I have to go.’
Hi-tech: The car was first announced in October 2010 and patented last year
‘The concept of it is pretty awesome,’ Eric Bridges, a spokesman for the American Council of the Blind, told Fox News.
‘They’re helping to change the world in a lot of ways.’
But a lot more needs to be worked out before the cars hit the road without the direct supervision of Google engineers.
It would be a brave government which issued driver’s licences to the blind – but the wonders of technology could still make it a reality.
