The future is closer than you think. That's the impression you'd have if you were among those attending a recent convention called the "18th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems."

...And "Intelligent" may be an understatement. These were the automotive industry's experts who are developing cars that drive themselves. And that concept is much closer to reality than many of us might imagine. "That's our long-term vision,' said Nady Boules, director of GM's electrical-control integration laboratory in Warren, Mich. "Cars that drive themselves and, as such, cars that do not crash."

Within the next decade, Boules predicted, cars will be capable of going from point A to point B without human involvement. And even sooner than that we may see "connected cars" equipped with sensors and onboard computers that enable them to "talk" to each other and steer clear of moving vehicles or even stationary objects.

Driverless vehicles have already been tested successfully, albeit in very controlled environments. In 2007, a Chevrolet Tahoe navigated an abandoned Air Force base in California for 55 miles, interacting with cars being driven and other pilotless vehicles. Dan Tracy from the Orlando Sentinel reported that "the autos would rely on devices that would have a monitoring range of about a quarter-mile, reading signals sent out from other equipped cars, plus units placed at traffic lights or stop signs. Information such as a car's location and speed would be exchanged constantly."

Boules explained that information such as a car's location and speed would be exchanged constantly. If the car in front slows and the driver behind misses the change, the trailing auto would automatically slow. More significantly, a car about to pass through a green light might stop if another auto were running the red light. The system might also alert the driver with a beep or a warning, allowing the motorist to make an adjustment.

We recently caught up with Nady Boules and he was kind enough to elaborate on this discussion for GasBuddy:

• What do you anticipate will occur at the 18th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems in reaction to GM’s technology advances?

At GM, we believe that electrified, connected, autonomous-driving vehicles can revolutionize personal mobility. By showcasing our technology advances in this area at the 18th ITS World Congress we hope to encourage other key stakeholders, government, suppliers, and technology partners to work with us to make it real.

• If the technology were fully operable in passenger vehicles today, how much would that add to the cost of the vehicle?

At introduction of some of these technologies, their cost will make them more appropriate for high-end vehicle. However, a large part of our effort is directed towards cost reduction for implementation across a broader segment.

• How do you train experienced drivers to maximize the benefits of cars that ‘talk’ to each other and at the same time, protect against motorists relying too much on the technology?

As with any new technology introduced in the past (e.g ABS), trusting the technology and taking full advantage of its benefits is expected to happen gradually.

• What is your best estimate on the timeline where we will first start to see American drivers who are the “early adapters” buying and driving these smart cars?

General Motors envisions that semi-autonomous vehicle capabilities will be available to customers by the end of the decade followed by fully autonomous driving technology ready between 2020 and 2030.

• What is your estimate on when we might see smart cars being incorporated seamlessly into the everyday vehicles being driven by most Americans?

This may take a bit longer, perhaps till the middle of this century.