All articles tagged with #self driving taxis
Waymo announced that its autonomous taxis are now capable of driving on freeways in select cities like San Francisco Bay Area, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, with plans to expand to other cities. The company claims its vehicles are safer than human drivers, though it is under federal safety investigations. The rollout follows extensive testing and software updates to improve safety and performance.
Waymo has received a permit from New York City to test eight self-driving cars without passengers in Manhattan and Brooklyn as part of a pilot program through September, marking a step towards autonomous vehicle integration in the city amid mixed reactions from officials and critics.
Cruise is set to resume testing its self-driving taxis in Phoenix, Arizona with human drivers behind the wheel and no passengers, following a ban in California after a pedestrian accident. The company aims to collect more road data to improve its systems and eventually resume human-supervised autonomous tests. Cruise has faced challenges, including leadership changes and layoffs, and is working to address concerns to regain permits for testing in California.
Passengers in self-driving taxis in San Francisco are reportedly engaging in sexual activities in the backseat, taking advantage of the added privacy without a driver present. One passenger admitted to having sex in a robotaxi at least six times, highlighting the potential for passengers to engage in other activities while being transported. Despite concerns about safety and privacy, including the possibility of recorded video footage, riders seem undeterred. The incident raises questions about the future of passenger transportation and the need for guidelines and regulations to ensure safety and appropriate behavior.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is set to vote on whether to allow Waymo and Cruise to expand their fleets of self-driving taxis in San Francisco, which could have far-reaching implications for the future of AI and the human workforce. The vote is seen as a referendum on various issues related to technology, including the politics of artificial intelligence and the impact on jobs. If approved, hundreds of self-driving taxis could be available for hire 24/7, sparking a potential state-by-state battle over autonomous vehicles. Tech executives, labor unions, transit advocates, and city officials are engaged in last-minute lobbying efforts to sway the commission's decision. The outcome of the vote could determine the future of self-driving cars and trucks in California and beyond.
A journalist's ride in a Waymo self-driving taxi in San Francisco turned into a frustrating experience, with the car stalling at a green light and dropping her off at the wrong location. The incident highlights the challenges and limitations of self-driving technology, as well as the growing complaints from San Francisco residents who are tired of their streets being used as a testing ground. The city will soon vote on whether to allow self-driving taxis to operate 24 hours a day.