NPR's Camila Domonoske explores the expansion of robotaxis in the U.S., highlighting Waymo's leading role, recent safety data showing fewer crashes, and ongoing challenges with unusual traffic situations.
Uber is lobbying lawmakers to enshrine "hybrid networks," where human drivers and autonomous vehicles operate together, into law. This strategy aims to position Uber as a platform for various robotaxi players, while potentially limiting direct competition from AV developers operating their own apps, as seen in proposed legislation in New Jersey and Washington, D.C.
Apple's defunct self-driving car project indirectly led to the development of its powerful Neural Engine, crucial for on-device AI processing. This technology debuted with iPhone X and now powers M-series chips, with future upgrades planned for the M7 chip in 2027.
Waymo's autonomous vehicle in California alerted police after cameras allegedly caught two teenagers drinking and firing a toy gun from the car. Waymo remotely guided the robotaxi to a parking lot where police apprehended the teens.
Waymo is recalling 3,871 vehicles due to incidents where autonomous cars failed to recognize or properly navigate freeway construction zones, sometimes prioritizing other hazards. This follows other recent news about Tesla's self-driving features, Meta's AI hackathon, and Tesla battery thefts.
China's robotaxi industry leverages its strong EV ecosystem for rapid, low-cost innovation. Companies like Baidu and WeRide face competition from US firms like Waymo, but complex driving conditions in China provide valuable data. Challenges include safety concerns, regulatory hurdles, and geopolitical data security issues.
The US Department of Transportation has proposed new regulations that would allow autonomous vehicles to be manufactured without brake pedals. This change aims to remove regulatory barriers for companies developing fully self-driving cars, with a 30-day public comment period before a final decision.
Waymo is testing self-driving cars in London, facing challenges but offering potential independence for people with disabilities. Concerns include surveillance, job losses for drivers, and safety, though data suggests AVs may be safer than human drivers. Regulation and disabled people's inclusion in the conversation are crucial.
Waymo recalls nearly 3,800 self-driving cars in the US due to a software flaw that could lead vehicles into flooded roads, following an incident in San Antonio, Texas, where an empty robotaxi was swept into a creek.
Waymo recalls nearly 3,800 self-driving cars in the US due to a software issue that could lead vehicles into flooded roads, following an incident in San Antonio, Texas.
Apple CEO Tim Cook is reportedly stepping down later this year, with John Ternus set to take over. Reflecting on his tenure, Cook highlighted the life-saving impact of the Apple Watch and admitted Apple Maps' 2012 launch was a significant early mistake. Despite setbacks like AirPower and the self-driving car project, Cook emphasized user-centric decisions and learning from errors.
A pivotal year for self-driving cars has begun in China, with the first “hands off” models approved to ply public roads, carmakers gearing up to mass-produce them and the first mandatory safety standards for autonomous vehicles out for public comment. The first carmakers were given the go-ahead in mid-December to build electric vehicle (EV) models with Level 3 (L3) autonomous driving capability. On an international scale from L0 to L5, an L3 autonomous vehicle can operate independently under...
