This Week in Startups

No hype, Just works: How Comma reached 100M miles in autonomous driving

Sep 18, 2024

45:48

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Harald Schäfer shares insights on Comma's open-source approach to autonomous driving. The discussion highlights the advantages of camera-based systems over lidar technology. Comparisons are drawn between major players like Waymo and Tesla regarding their strategies. The challenges and innovations in the rollout of self-driving technology are explored, alongside the economic implications and community contributions in the development of autonomous systems.

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Quick takeaways

Comma's open-source approach to autonomous driving fosters transparency and competition, enhancing product quality and customer satisfaction.

The journey towards fully autonomous vehicles faces significant challenges, with reliable urban services predicted to be 5 to 10 years away.

Deep dives

Realism in Robotics

The advancements in robotics, particularly in self-driving technology, are often met with overconfidence and hype. Initially, many engaged with self-driving cars believing it to be a relatively straightforward application of robotics, primarily due to the simplified nature of two-dimensional navigation and clear road rules. However, the reality has proven more complex than anticipated, with many companies failing to deliver on their ambitious promises. This has led to a shift in focus towards humanoid robotics, which, despite being considered more difficult from the outset, is perceived as a new hype cycle that may not yield practical, everyday applications soon.

Caution Amidst Automation Hype

01:14

Transparency Reveals Capability: Learning Driving Through Shadowing

02:05

Intro

2min

Advancements in Autonomous Driving

5min

The Benefits of Open Source in Autonomous Driving

3min

Autonomous Driving: Innovations and Challenges

14min

Exploring Autonomous Vehicle Technology and Compliance in B2B Startups

2min

Autonomous Driving: Hype vs. Reality

6min

Scaling Products and the Future of Autonomous Driving

3min

Tesla's Autonomy Predictions

11min

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Todays show:

Comma’s Harald Schäfer joins Jason to discuss the future of autonomous driving, Comma’s open-source approach (7:24), how camera-based systems stack up against lidar (20:52), self-driving technology developments globally (32:55), and more!

Timestamps:

(0:00) Comma’s Harald Schäfer joins Jason

(2:02) Comma's approach to self-driving technology

(4:06) Cost, installation, and car manufacturers' reactions to Comma

(6:38) .Tech Domains - Apply for the Jam Session with JCal contest today at https://jamwithjcal.tech

(7:24) Open source and different approaches in autonomous driving

(13:08) Comparing Waymo, Tesla FSD, and comma AI's strategies

(20:52) Lidar vs. camera-based systems in autonomy and the advantages of camera-based systems over human drivers

(24:05) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist

(24:56) Autonomous vehicle rollout timeline and predictions

(27:33) Open source projects and major car manufacturers' adoption

(31:25) Micro1 - Visit https://www.micro1.ai/twist to open a talent search and get a 2 week free trial per hire.