What a laugh this story is, unless you've been the victim of one.
The California Public Utilities Commission extended the trial period of robotaxis period in San Francisco and the period of times each day they can operate. The slang name of the service, robotaxis, is self explanatory but if not, there isn't a driver. The cars are self guided. Locals are not amused and nor are a number of elected politicians.
There are issues. One evening near a music concert venue ten of the taxis blocked a main street, stationary with hazards lights flashing. This was because of a overwhelmed phone network due to the numbers of people at the concert and the cars could not communicate.
One taxi nearly cleaned up a group using a pedestrian crossing. At times they will randomly stop without obvious reason. An emergency vehicle may approach but the cars can't see a safe place to stop and so do not yield.
There is an anti robotaxi activist group that's discovered by placing a traffic cone or road bollard on the bonnet of the car is enough to stop it from moving and the car will sit there with its lights flashing until the object is removed.
All very amusing to me. I'm sure there are lots of online clips to view, which I may well do.
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Yuk!
ReplyDeleteNo one ever wants the wet spot Tasker.
DeleteI did see this item on the news. I would not be happy travelling in one.
ReplyDeleteI would for some novelty fun, Marie, but otherwise, not really.
DeleteI suspect that people in buses might get quite an eyeful as they pass these cars (stationary or not).
ReplyDeleteEC, as tram passengers on our Princes Bridge slowly pass by stationary cars. It's always interesting.
DeleteSurely it is not April 1st already???
ReplyDeleteJayCee, doesn't almost every day feel like April the 1st? It does for me.
DeleteIt sounds like a giant fiasco with this technology.
ReplyDeleteRoentare, thankfully guided robotic surgery works rather better.
DeleteWe are getting too smart for our own good (said in grumpy old lady voice as that is who I am today).
ReplyDeleteAnd your last paragraph is why I will never, ever, ever get in one of those things. Ew. Because who is going to spend part of that precious hour cleaning up after themselves?
Caro, I rather enjoy being a grumpy old person. My last para was my own, just my imagination, but quite plausible.
DeleteI hope the geniuses who designed these things are tied to the roofs and driven like days of old through the streets and mocked. there is so very much wrong with them. I'm thinking robberies and bank heists too. What WERE they thinking?
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
WWW, so as in 'The thieves quickly escaped in a waiting robo-taxi'?
DeleteI think they were a terrible idea and should be removed from the streets immediately.
ReplyDeleteI agree River. I did see mention of them operating in Texas, which unlike San Francisco would have wide well marked streets.
DeleteNo, I wouldn't feel safe or comfortable riding in one, though I get a kick out of the idea of such vehicles being used for romantic purposes.
ReplyDeleteKirk, keep you mind above your last blow job. Leave the smut to me.
Delete. . . and people are worried that AI will take over the world . . .
ReplyDeleteIt will JB, but we won't be around to see it happen.
Delete120 years ago, cars in some cities had to be escorted by a person with caution flags, or had to have a bell like a train. Change is not always easy. When I get a chance, I will ride in a robotaxi.
ReplyDeleteTP, I look forward to your account of a robotaxi ride.
DeleteYuck! I think I'll be steering clear of those for MANY reasons.
ReplyDeleteYes Steve, many reasons.
DeleteI think I will pass on these things. Imagine them in a snowstorm.
ReplyDeleteI can't and don't want to Pat.
DeleteI'd heard about that muck up. I hope they get the kinks worked out. I'd love to be chauffeured in my own car:) Sandra sandracox.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThere are few things I dream about if I was rich, Sandra. One though is having a chauffeur. I can just like the old lady in Driving Miss Daisy.
DeleteI never thought of that last use, as in a one hour motel stay. Creative! So are the cones on the hoods. Cracks me up.
ReplyDeleteStrayer, it would nice if they were stalled by a cone, for them to make a squawking sound, as if in pain.
DeleteWell I can't see them coming to the Outer Hebrides for a while and I can see the neds in Glasgow having a high old time with them.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't they ever, Graham. I can imagine some floating down the Clyde.
DeleteThe cones make them look like unicorns. lol In all seriousness, I find the idea of self driving cars frightening. Besides computer glitches, what if a foreign entity hacks their programming? ~shudder~ I prefer being behind the wheel, thank you very much. Thanks for sharing this as I tend not to follow news.
ReplyDeleteUnicorns, haha. Yes, for me too at the moment, I will control my car's destiny.
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