Autonocast

What does an ex-Tesla, VW, and Argo AI executive do next? Take the lessons of autonomy to railroads. Futurail CEO/co-founder Alex Haag explains why rail has not yet been fully automated, how AV technology can mitigate climate change, and how Futurail's hardware/software stack unlocks value and efficiency in the world's oldest modern transportation vertical. Also, Alex has some words about his Tesla Model S issues.

Billy Thalheimer, CEO of Regent and innovator behind electric seagliders, discusses his groundbreaking transportation technology. He highlights the unique functionality of sea gliders, which efficiently transition between water and air. The conversation dives into military applications, electrification benefits, and regulatory hurdles. Thalheimer also shares insights on combining historical engineering with modern advancements to redefine coastal travel and enhance connectivity in regions like South Florida.

The discussion dives into the comedic portrayal of self-driving cars in 'The Naked Gun,' sparking a conversation about the real dangers of Tesla's autonomous technology. A recent court ruling puts Tesla under scrutiny for a fatal Autopilot incident, raising ethical questions about safety claims and transparency. The hosts also grapple with the tension between Tesla's ambitious marketing and the reality of their ride-hailing service, where manual driving trumps autonomy. Plus, there's a quirky peek at Zoox, adding a lighthearted twist to the serious themes.

Dave Ferguson, Co-founder and President of Nuro, shares insights on the company's strategic shift from custom delivery vehicles to L4 software licensing. He discusses partnerships with Lucid and Uber, and why the deployment of a luxury robotaxi is a game-changer. The conversation dives into the importance of data diversity for self-driving tech, navigates the challenges of compliance and liability, and highlights the future of autonomous vehicles. Expect an engaging dialogue that paints an optimistic picture of the driverless landscape!

Former Waymo self-driving truck lead and Anki co-founder Boris Sofman joins The Autonocast to talk about his new company, Bedrock Robotics, and why autonomous construction equipment might be the most important, least-hyped application of AV tech yet. Kirsten and Alex dig into why he left the public-road race, what makes construction sites a uniquely promising environment for autonomy, and how lessons from Waymo and Anki are shaping his approach to this new frontier.

Austin Texas was already one of the hot spots of AV activity, even before Tesla's robotaxi deployment ratched up the hype. With Ed back from a week on the ground, and Alex and Kirsten watching events there closely, the gang has a lot to discuss this week.

The gang dives into Tesla's quest for driverless cars in Austin, raising questions about its safety culture. They dissect the illusion of autonomy, debating the different software strategies of Tesla and Wabi. Transparency in safety records takes center stage, contrasting Tesla's approach with that of Cruise. The impact of Tesla’s past on its stock and future technology is scrutinized amidst skepticism. Additionally, they explore the societal implications of emerging robotaxis and the challenges faced by companies like Waymo in gaining public trust.

The discussion kicks off with a comedic take on outdated cars and vehicle preferences. It then dives into the regulatory tug-of-war between federal standards and local laws for autonomous vehicles. Listeners are treated to a nostalgic look at the revolutionary Porsche 928 and its legacy. The chat also contrasts the thrill of vintage cars with the conveniences of modern tech. Finally, there's an exploration of how Las Vegas is navigating transport challenges as it integrates new technologies, shedding light on the future of mobility.

Spring is buzzing in the autonomous vehicle scene! The unexpected shift of Sterling Anderson to GM has everyone talking. Waymo and Zoox face recalls, sparking debates about safety and regulation. Tesla's Full Self-Driving tech is under scrutiny as the RoboTaxi initiative unfolds. Meanwhile, a surprising leadership change at Luminar raises eyebrows about ethics and market stability. The partnership between Toyota and Waymo promises advancements in safety while the Cadillac Celestique's future charm captures imaginations. It's a whirlwind of innovation and intrigue!

This week, the conversation heats up as Aurora makes waves with its driverless service and Waymo partners with Toyota. The hosts dive into the tangled narratives around Tesla and Uber, exploring how bold claims sometimes overshadow true progress. A lively dinner chat reveals how young consumers are reshaping car ownership and embracing alternative vehicles. Witty exchanges about vintage cars add humor, while discussions about the future of urban mobility bring fresh insights into the evolving automotive landscape.