How do you launch and test a self-driving car?

Launching and testing a self-driving car involves a multi-stage approach. Initially, rigorous simulation is crucial to test algorithms under a vast array of scenarios, including edge cases and potential failures, without real-world risk. This is followed by controlled environment testing on private tracks to validate basic functionalities and safety systems. Progressive real-world testing begins in limited, well-mapped areas with safety drivers ready to intervene. Data collected from these tests is used to refine the AI models, often employing reinforcement learning techniques and robust validation frameworks. Continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipelines are essential for iterating on software updates and ensuring reliability throughout the development lifecycle.