It's nice to read that machine autonomy is progressing so well.
However it only makes it sadder to see human autonomy reaching modern lows...
This is especially true within s/w development, where acceptance of external dependencies has reached pandemic proportions. Leaving many more systems vulnerable, not just to supply chain attack, but to the day to day risk that some mandatory system dependency becomes unavailable, for what ever reason (acquisition, bankruptcy, product line termination, etc).
When I think of autonomy, I think of individual human agency.
To see the word degraded to meaning cars that don't run over wheelchairs in the crosswalk, seems like some major loss has occurred.
I wonder if anyone has any incentive to make it so you can pay with cash like a vending machine. (I think some of biggest benefits could be for those who struggle to afford cars, but those folks don't always good payment options.)
I mean from the perspective of Waymo or the provider.
But would the extra complexity, hardware, maintenance and associated costs ever be worth it for very small minority of transactions that would only be able to be cash.
It comes with a bunch of extra problems as well especially around abuse.
Better off just implementing gift cards to be bought with cash. Or maybe that’s what op meant?
I wonder if the net benefit to society rests on the side of the autonomous vehicles (potentially safer roads) or retaining “driver” as a category of employed people (3 to 5% of the population in the US).
may open up other opportunities due to people being more mobile. more commerce activity in general. I heavily dislike having to find parking or hiring a non waymo ride.
The roads will be safer. The streets though? Remains to be seen…
Also I calculated - the approximate worth of those Waymos sitting on that lot was likely upwards of $400M! It doesn't seem much compared to hyperscaler spending but it’s not chump change either. I believe they are going all in.
17 comments
However it only makes it sadder to see human autonomy reaching modern lows...
This is especially true within s/w development, where acceptance of external dependencies has reached pandemic proportions. Leaving many more systems vulnerable, not just to supply chain attack, but to the day to day risk that some mandatory system dependency becomes unavailable, for what ever reason (acquisition, bankruptcy, product line termination, etc).
When I think of autonomy, I think of individual human agency.
To see the word degraded to meaning cars that don't run over wheelchairs in the crosswalk, seems like some major loss has occurred.
I truly believe massive gains in transit & micromobility especially when related to the green energy boom is the real game-changing story of our time.
It’s not even possible to summon one without a phone/app.
But would the extra complexity, hardware, maintenance and associated costs ever be worth it for very small minority of transactions that would only be able to be cash.
It comes with a bunch of extra problems as well especially around abuse.
Better off just implementing gift cards to be bought with cash. Or maybe that’s what op meant?
Also I calculated - the approximate worth of those Waymos sitting on that lot was likely upwards of $400M! It doesn't seem much compared to hyperscaler spending but it’s not chump change either. I believe they are going all in.