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a16z Podcast

a16z Podcast: Self-Driving Cars — Where Are We, Really?

Jan 31, 2018
Qasar Younis, CEO of Applied Intuition, James Wu, CEO of DeepMap, and Taggart Matthiesen, Head of Product at Lyft, dive into the rapidly evolving world of self-driving cars. They discuss how cars are transforming into data-rich platforms, the hurdles to achieving full autonomy, and the potential for personalized travel experiences. The conversation also highlights the economic and regulatory challenges ahead, the balance of remote driving solutions, and the critical importance of safety standards and data security for future innovations.
17:58

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Quick takeaways

  • The gradual introduction of self-driving vehicles will prioritize localized level four functionality, overcoming economic feasibility challenges related to sensor costs.
  • Self-driving cars have the potential to transform urban environments by reducing crime rates and changing housing market dynamics through innovative data utilization.

Deep dives

The Development Timeline of Self-Driving Cars

The timeline for introducing self-driving vehicles is expected to be gradual rather than sudden, with autonomous capabilities advancing incrementally each year. Major automotive manufacturers anticipate shipping level four vehicles around 2020 to 2021, although widespread availability to consumers may occur sooner than projected. The transition to a fully autonomous car ecosystem is hindered by challenges related to economic feasibility, particularly the costs associated with sensor technology and operational logistics. As a result, initial implementation will likely focus on localized areas with level four functionality rather than a global rollout.

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