First self-riding taxi service will be launched this year
How long will it take before we live in a world with self-driving cars? This question becomes more often the topic of discussion. Most people have read about the development of self-driving cars in the automotive industry, but it is still hard to imagine how this will influence our lives. Though, the first self-driving taxi service will be launched this year by Waymo, Google’s self-driving car company (2). Waymo started working on their self-driving technology in 2009 (1). After continuous development of the self-driving technology the self-driving vehicles began test-driving on the road last year and as expected the testing will be finished soon (1).
Technologies
Waymo uses technologies, such as Lidar, Radar, high-resolution camera’s and Artificial Intelligence (3). Lidar sends millions of laser beams per second to form a 360 degrees image from here till three football field’s away (3). Radar is then used to identify how far away objects are and what their speed is (3). Moreover, high-resolution cameras will be used to zoom in on for example traffic signs and lights (3). All the data collected by these technologies will be used to predict and plan a safe trip to the desired destination. As Artificial Intelligence is used, these predictions will evolve with every driven mile.
The advantages and disadvantages
One big advantage is that you don’t need a driver; so disabled people, children and people without a driving licence can move themselves by car. Also accidents because of alcohol, speeding and distraction will not occur. A big disadvantage of the self-driving technology is that it is very expensive. That is also why Waymo first launches a self-driven taxi service, as the cars need to drive 24 hours a day to earn back the costs of the technology that is embedded in the car. Another disadvantage is that the self-driving cars of Waymo only have learnt to drive in Phoenix, so it will take some time till cars are able to drive in other cities, areas and countries. They are even sometimes still struggling in Phoenix (4).
The question how long it will take before we live in a world with self-driving cars remains without precise answer. As the example of Waymo already shows a world with self-driving cars is not far away, but the technology needs to develop continuously. I also think that it will be good for the world to see and experience self-driving taxis, as a lot of people are scared for these innovations because they don’t have a clear image and understanding of the technology and the cars themselves. In my opinion when all technological problems of the self-driving cars are solved their advantages outweigh their disadvantages and the technology has great potential.
1: https://waymo.com/journey/
2: https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2018/09/06/waymo-shifts-to-industrializing-self-driving-tech-as-robotaxi-launch-nears/#14a3af4c4dc1
3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8R148hFxPw
4: https://www.theinformation.com/articles/waymos-big-ambitions-slowed-by-tech-trouble?shared=4596b7125469ea51
