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The car is a modified version of an old Opel Vectra, sold as a Holden in Australia in the late 1990s. The home video shows the Russians connected servo motors to metal rods to control the steering and gear selection.
Although they don't get far, it shows what is possible with modern technology. It turns out the biggest technical challenge was touching the surface of the iPad in sub zero temperatures. The iPad requires the heat of fingertips to adjust controls.Â
The homemade creation shows what's possible as the world's car makers wrestle with driverless technology. Cars already have the brain power to drive themselves (via cameras, radar sensors and navigation systems).
But the industry is trying to come to terms with the legal and safety ramifications. The industry is now working on technology it has dubbed "piloted driving", requiring the driver to intervene at any moment.
Some Volvos, Volkswagens and Subarus can already brake automatically in an emergency but the next step in automated driving is at least two years away from showrooms.Â
Google has been experimenting with driverless cars for several years. Reportedly the only times its automated cars have crashed was due to driver error.
This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling
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