Computer vision is becoming an important part of future technology. For example, we will have access to self-driving cars in the next five years (possibly much sooner, if some rumors are to be believed). In order to achieve this, the car's computer needs to be able to see around it: obstacles, other traffic, and weather conditions.

While we can easily detect whether there is an obstacle, for example using radar, it is also important we know what that object is. If it is an animal, it may move out of the way; if it is a building, it won't move at all and we need to go around it.