Here are five self-driving car technologies and their features: Cameras help the car “see” the road, signs, lanes, and traffic lights like human eyes. LiDAR uses laser pulses to make a 3D map of the surroundings so the car knows where objects are. Radar uses radio waves to detect the speed and distance of other cars, especially in bad weather. Ultrasonic sensors are used for short distances, like parking, to detect nearby objects. Finally, GPS and mapping systems tell the car where it is and help it plan the best route to its destination.