Autonocast

When is self-driving not self-driving? How do the words we use for autonomous vehicles affect safety? Professor Bryant Walker Smith talks about how the SAE levels came to be, how he hopes to improve them, and his latest paper "Self-Driving Means Self-Driving."

Bryan Reimer, a Research Scientist at MIT's AgeLab, dives into the pragmatic side of AI in vehicles. He emphasizes AI as a co-pilot, augmenting human decision-making rather than replacing it. Reimer critiques overly optimistic automation promises, urges a human-centered design in driver assistance, and advocates for clear regulations to dispel misleading claims. He also discusses the economic challenges of scaling robotaxi services and the potential for gamified driver education. Ultimately, he champions a focus on consumer safety and effective implementation over flashy marketing.

The discussion dives into Rivian's intriguing bike venture, Also, pondering whether it could be the cycling equivalent of Tesla's Model S. Hosts explore the chainless design and unique pedal system of their TM-B e-bike and its competitive pricing strategy. Tesla's HW3 complications come under scrutiny, with debates on unmet expectations and the company's narrative efforts in autonomy shaping future ownership. Plus, the hosts reflect on classic cars and the quirky mention of a Tesla seeing ghosts in a cemetery!

Should Waymo pranksters be permabanned from the service? Will Tesla survive Ed's door handle obsession? What makes Kirsten a real journalist? Will Alex explain how to get into our 2026 CES party? Also, why AV operations will be more important than the tech itself...

Alex gets pulled over for the first time in 15 years, Ed is more interested in the wild Silicon Valley Sperm Racing story, and Kirsten brings it back around to Waymo's rainy adventures in Arizona. Will innovation win? Or will Ed drag the show down again?

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!

Boris Sofman, co-founder of Anki and former lead at Waymo, is now revolutionizing the construction industry as the CEO of Bedrock Robotics. He discusses why autonomous equipment for heavy machinery is an untapped goldmine. Sofman explains the advantages of focusing on construction over public-road autonomy, highlighting the unique opportunities in this environment. He also shares insights on fundraising and leveraging lessons from Anki and Waymo to shape his new venture. With a keen eye on labor shortages and regulatory dynamics, he envisions a data-driven future for construction.