Odd Lots Self-Driving Cars Might Finally Be For Real This Time
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Sep 7, 2023 In a thought-provoking conversation, Tim Lee, a technology journalist and AI expert, discusses the long and winding road of self-driving cars. He highlights recent advancements that suggest the technology might finally be ready for mainstream use. Tim explores the competitive landscape involving major players like Waymo and Tesla, and examines the intricate challenges of training these vehicles to handle real-world scenarios. He also reflects on the impact autonomous cars could have on urban mobility and societal readiness for this transformative technology.
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Self-Driving Car Challenges
- Waymo and Cruise struggled with edge cases like avoiding fire hoses and police tape.
- One Cruise vehicle even drove through wet concrete, highlighting the complexity of real-world scenarios.
Safety and Iteration
- Self-driving car companies face unique challenges due to safety requirements.
- Unlike other tech products, they cannot iterate and improve after launch due to life-or-death consequences.
Iterative Development
- Self-driving car development involves continuous refinement rather than significant breakthroughs.
- Waymo's gradual expansion and Cruise's focus on complex environments exemplify this iterative process.