Autonocast
#330: Raquel Urtasun of Waabi
Mar 14, 2025
Raquel Urtasun, Founder of Waabi and former head of research at Uber's Advanced Technology Group, discusses her innovative approach to self-driving trucks. She shares insights on Level 4 autonomy and the challenges of developing a single AI system. The conversation touches on breakthroughs in AI, the importance of realistic simulations for safety, and the essential collaboration needed in the industry. Raquel also addresses gender challenges in tech and shares her bold predictions for the future of autonomous trucking by 2025.
50:25
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Quick takeaways
- Waabi's AV 2.0 model advocates for the use of a single advanced AI system, enhancing safety and market efficiency in trucking.
- Robust simulation techniques significantly reduce the need for extensive real-world data, improving safety validation and development in autonomous vehicles.
Deep dives
Innovative Approach to Self-Driving Technology
The focus of the discussion revolves around a groundbreaking approach to self-driving technology that diverges significantly from traditional methods. Unlike the commonly used AV 1.0 model, which relies heavily on complex, hand-engineered processes, this new method leverages a single, advanced AI system capable of comprehensive interpretation and reasoning about driving scenarios. This distinct architecture emphasizes safety and efficiency, enabling the system to consider multiple potential decisions at any given moment and select the safest option. The innovative design allows for the development of a solution that is not only capital efficient but also accelerates the path to market.
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