robotaxi
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Tesla camera hack shows how your EV might monitor driving habits
A hack has shown that Tesla's interior camera could be used to check that drivers are paying attention.
Volvo will use Waymo technology to power its self-driving cars
Volvo will use Waymo technology to guide its self-driving cars, including one built for ride-hailing services.
Ford delays self-driving taxis to 2022
Ford is putting the future of being autonomously driven on hold until 2022 as it grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elon Musk explains why Tesla's Model 3 has an in-cabin camera
Tesla’s Model 3 has shipped from the start with a camera pointing at the cabin, but it has gone unused ever since. Elon Musk has confirmed that the camera is there to support Tesla’s eventual robo-taxi plans. Since you won’t be in the car yourself when it’s picking up rides, the camera will provide video evidence if passengers trash the interior.
Fiat Chrysler and AutoX confirm plans to work on robotaxis
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is joining forces with the Chinese startup AutoX to bring self-driving robotaxis to China. The companies confirmed rumors of their partnership today and announced that the AutoX AI Driver platform will be installed in FCA Chrysler Pacificas. The robotaxis could appear in Chinese cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai in the first half of 2020.
Cruise's self-driving electric shuttle is made for ridesharing
Cruise still isn't ready to say when its autonomous vehicle will be available, but now it's shown off the Origin, a GM-built electric shuttle van that doesn't have a steering wheel or pedals. Instead it's fully self-driving, intended to be a shareable, modular vehicle that can handle being on the road all the time. It's basically a minibus, with three seats at each end that face each other and split sliding doors that open up like a subway car. Cruise hasn't revealed details like the battery capacity or cost, but claims that "the average San Franciscan household driving themselves or using ridesharing" will see savings of $5,000 per year thanks to the vehicle. According to execs, more information on manufacturing for this "production" vehicle will be coming soon. Also, because of its modular design, they think it will be better suited for use as a robotaxi than regular passenger cars, and that its sensors will have "superhuman" ability to spot pedestrians and navigate in bad weather. They claim it's "what you'd build if there were no cars." Lofty promises -- hopefully we'll find out soon how the company plans to fulfill them. Others, including Ford, Waymo, Uber and Tesla, just to name a few, are also chasing the autonomous-cars-as-a-service model in different ways, and it's still unclear who may get their first.
Hyundai teams with Aptiv to put self-driving cars on the road by 2022
Hyundai is getting particularly serious about its self-driving car strategy. The Korean car maker has formed a joint venture with Aptiv to foster Level 4 and Level 5 autonomous technology (that is, completely self-driving in some or all situations). They hope to start testing their systems in 2020 and hope to have a platform ready for autonomous taxis, fleets and other car makers in 2022.
Ridesharing giant Didi Chuxing will offer robotaxi service in Shanghai
Self-driving taxis are quickly becoming a reality well beyond the US. Chinese ridesharing giant Didi Chuxing has unveiled plans for a pilot robotaxi service in Shanghai's Jiading District. It'll only include 30 cars with Level 4 autonomy (full self-driving in limited areas and conditions) and will start with a mix of driverless and helmed vehicles to deal with the "complex traffic and road conditions" of the city. Nonetheless, there's a real chance you'll be the only human in the vehicle if you're hailing a ride to Shanghai University.
