Honey, May I Please Have a TORC Car?
Posted by Anne Giles Clelland at 6:30 PM on January 26, 2009:
TORC Technologies gave me, Anne Giles Clelland, founder of Handshake 2.0, a dream of a ride in its ByWire XGV, an unmanned Ford Escape Hybrid converted to drive-by-wire.
What does that really mean? It's the TORC car! It's like magic! And it's for sale! I could buy one!
Or someone could buy one for me...
Anne Clelland of Handshake20.com
Drives TORC's ByWire XGV Using Remote Control
I sure hope they have an instructor override on that car. :-)
Posted by: Jim Flowers | January 27, 2009 at 08:37 AM
Dear Mr. Flowers,
As you can see from the video, an instructor override was not needed. 1) The TORC car drives effortlessly. 2) My skill with the drive-by-wire remote control was evident. Did you see my relaxed shoulders, the way I held the remote comfortably in my lap, and my calm demeanor? I would have been fine driving solo, especially over the The Smart Road Bridge, the highest bridge in Virginia.
First the TORC car, then NASCAR.
With respect,
Anne Clelland
Handshake 2.0
Posted by: Anne Clelland | January 27, 2009 at 08:51 AM
To Jim's comment, there was *definitely* a safety override in place. Our engineer in the driver's seat simply had to shift the gear out of "neutral" to take back control. He was also controlling the throttle and brake.
I pulled most of the instructional conversation out of the video, because it would've been quite a bit longer.
Anne - you did a good job and we are glad you enjoyed it!
Posted by: David Cutter | January 27, 2009 at 09:19 AM
I was very impressed by the demo, the video, and your performance. You're sitting in something very exciting. With game board skills, the next generation of users will be very ready for the vehicle. I wonder if it can respond to innovations said to be present on/within the "smart road" where you were "driving?"
Posted by: Robert Giles | January 27, 2009 at 09:24 AM
"relaxed shoulders ... calm demeanor ..." You were giggling like a schoolgirl!
Of course, I think I would've been, as well. Thanks for sharing it!
Posted by: Jeremy Hart | January 27, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Jeremy, I think this commenter on your blog post best expressed my actual experience:
"Wow! I can feel the thrill of it by just watching. 40mph is really moving for operation by remote. It makes me a little giddy with excitement. If the car is pricey for me, how about a ride? Anne speechless? Leave it to TORC. They're top shelf."
Jeremy, thanks for posting the video on your site!
http://nrvliving.typepad.com/nrvliving/2009/01/handshake-20-no-hands-necessary.html
Posted by: Anne Giles Clelland | January 27, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Cool vid guys! That car is pretty excellent indeed! Great work!
Posted by: Tyson Daniel | January 27, 2009 at 10:56 AM
I echo all of the above praises of TORC's ByWire car...the video is really cool! I have to admit though, I believe I would use similar "driving techniques" as Anne and "steer" the remote control as if I were behind the wheel.
Posted by: Lindsey Eversole | January 27, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Anne, can anyone take a ride in the TORC car or do you have to be CEO of a high-tech social media consulting firm? If cars can be driven by a remote control, then does that mean my 10 year- old can drive? I met a former Air Force pilot last summer who said that the next gen of pilots will be those kids who were masters at maneuvering aircraft in video games and by remote control. Does the same hold true for cars? Great video -- what an awesome experience!
- Kelly
Posted by: Z. Kelly Queijo | January 27, 2009 at 11:44 AM
Looks like great fun, I really like the video.
Send TORC to NYC so I can take a spin!
Posted by: rgeller | January 27, 2009 at 12:09 PM
ZKQ, thank you so much for posting the video on your blog. Love your spin - "Baby, You Can Drive My Car"!
http://www.tableforone.biz/tableforone/baby-you-can-drive-my-car.aspx
Posted by: Anne Giles Clelland | January 28, 2009 at 10:40 AM