On with Kara Swisher Look Ma, No Hands! With Waymo Co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana
Jun 8, 2023
Tekedra Mawakana, Co-CEO of Waymo and a pioneer in autonomous vehicle technology, dives deep into the future of transportation. She discusses the challenges of societal acceptance amid concerns from regulators and unions. Kara shares her optimism about driverless cars, emphasizing their potential to transform mobility. The conversation also touches on the intricate relationship between innovation and public trust, as well as the evolving job landscape impacted by technological advances. Mawakana provides insights on the day-to-day functionality of Waymo's autonomous taxi service and its implications for accessibility.
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Waymo Ride Experience
- Kara Swisher and Tekedra Mawakana rode in a Waymo One autonomous taxi to the studio.
- The car didn't stop directly in front of Swisher's house, choosing a safer spot half a block away.
Waymo Routing
- Waymo's routing sometimes differs from human drivers.
- It prioritizes safety and efficiency, considering factors like road closures and passenger drop-off points.
Cautious Braking
- Waymo cars brake more cautiously than human drivers, prioritizing safety over smoothness.
- The car braked for a bag in the street, demonstrating its cautiousness.