Final answer:
Automated self-propelled vehicles are primarily guided by GPS, sensors, and use drive mechanisms like solar cells and wheel hub motors. They may have varying configurations and can employ sensors to interact with the environment. These vehicles rely on advanced technologies for autonomous navigation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Automated self-propelled vehicles are guided by a combination of technologies including GPS (Global Positioning System), sensors, and various drive mechanisms. In the context of energy sources and drive mechanisms, solar cells, batteries, and wheel hub motors are significant. For instance, some concepts for commuter vehicles involve the use of solar cells to extend battery life. The batteries can be recharged at home, with solar cells or wind energy further contributing to a sustainable power system. These vehicles can include different configurations such as three-wheeled, enclosed passenger cabins or two-wheeled designs similar to Segway devices. The chosen drive mechanisms can range from electric motors placed in the hubs of the wheels that drive them directly, to chain drives with gears, or even advanced technology like wheel hub motors that use regenerative braking.
Additionally, the various forms of automated vehicles may employ different sensors that detect environmental factors. These can include light, sound, temperature, smell, or taste, and are based on physical principles. For instance, the optics used for robotic vision in some automated vehicles are akin to those in digital cameras. The integration of these various components allows automated vehicles to operate with a degree of autonomy, navigating and interacting with their surroundings effectively.