Completely agree about the prejudice against the well established. I am not affiliated with the Delphi project, but work in this space. Not having knowledge of the effectiveness of the Delphi autonomous system, can't speak to that. But, with regards to their mechanical design, this team has demonstrated autonomous capability with a familiar and covert form factor: obscured GPS antennas, LIDAR and cameras. And computing. Not visible in either the rear seat or trunk [1, 2].
Also important to mention that this product is a partnership between Delphi and Ottomatika [3]. Ottomatika is the company that won the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge from CMU and provides the SLAM and software expertise.
Admittedly, the Google's of the world help with the lobbying and regulatory efforts which eventually expedite the technology transfer to the market for the Delphi's and smaller startups in this space [4].
Also important to mention that this product is a partnership between Delphi and Ottomatika [3]. Ottomatika is the company that won the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge from CMU and provides the SLAM and software expertise.
Admittedly, the Google's of the world help with the lobbying and regulatory efforts which eventually expedite the technology transfer to the market for the Delphi's and smaller startups in this space [4].
[1] https://twitter.com/harrymccracken/status/578624426079494145...
[2] https://twitter.com/DelphiAuto/status/580388500291342338
[3] http://ottomatika.com/blog.html
[4] http://www.getcruise.com