NBC News reporter test rides driverless taxi in Arizona
Summary
TLDRIn Phoenix, Arizona, robotic taxis are gaining popularity, offering a driverless ride experience. Despite some incidents, like a slow-speed crash leading to a software recall, the technology is continually refined. Phoenix's open grid system and supportive mayor contribute to the success of these taxis, which are seen as a safer option for marginalized groups. The company is expanding and is the only robo-taxi service operating at the major airport, with plans to collaborate with law enforcement for better integration.
Takeaways
- 🚗 A company has expanded its robotic taxi service to all users in San Francisco, and its popularity is exploding in Phoenix, Arizona.
- 📱 Users in Phoenix can open an app, choose their destination, and unlock the robotic taxi to ride without a driver.
- 🛠 The robotic taxis, owned by Alphabet, provide smooth and cautious rides with the steering wheel turning as if guided by an invisible hand.
- 🏅 Phoenix Mayor is a supporter, believing that robotic drivers don't have bad days and are safer in the long term compared to human drivers.
- 🤖 The city's open grid system and supportive community have contributed to the successful implementation of the technology.
- 🚦 Despite some incidents like slow-speed crashes and software recalls, the company continues to refine the technology.
- 🚦 There have been issues with the taxis making mistakes, such as turning into oncoming traffic and driving into construction zones.
- 🌐 The company is working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ensure road safety and improve the technology.
- 🚖 In other cities like San Francisco, there have been accidents involving driverless taxis, leading to permit suspensions and criticism.
- 🌟 Phoenix's robotic taxi service is the only one that operates at the major airport, covering a large metro area.
- 🔍 The technology is still in a learning phase, and there are discussions about the potential trade-offs between safety and technological advancement.
Q & A
Which company has opened up a robotic taxi service in San Francisco?
-The company that has opened up the robotic taxi service in San Francisco is owned by Alphabet.
In which city is the popularity of robotic taxis reportedly exploding?
-The popularity of robotic taxis is reportedly exploding in Phoenix, Arizona.
How does a passenger use the robotic taxi service in Phoenix?
-A passenger uses the robotic taxi service by opening an app, choosing the destination, and using the app to unlock the car.
What is the experience of riding in a robotic taxi like according to the reporter in Phoenix?
-The reporter describes the ride in a robotic taxi as smooth and cautious, with the steering wheel turning as if an invisible hand is guiding it.
What does the Phoenix Mayor think about robotic taxis?
-The Phoenix Mayor is a big fan of robotic taxis, stating that they don't have bad days like human drivers and are expected to be safer in the long term.
Why is the robotic taxi service working well in Phoenix according to the script?
-The service is working well in Phoenix because the city has been very open to the technology, has a supportive community, and an open grid system that is easier to navigate.
What incidents have occurred with the robotic taxis as mentioned in the script?
-Incidents mentioned include a slow-speed crash in May that led to a software recall of over 600 cars, and other mistakes like turning into oncoming traffic, swerving, driving into construction zones, and ignoring police instructions.
How does the company respond to the incidents involving their robotic taxis?
-The company responds by stating that they continue to refine the technology and work with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ensure road safety.
What is the current status of the robotic taxi service in other cities besides Phoenix?
-The service is making headlines in other cities like San Francisco, where there have been incidents leading to temporary permit suspensions, and in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, where it operates in limited capacity.
What is the potential future of robotic taxis according to the script?
-The script suggests that robotic taxis could become the norm in the future, potentially serving as a stepping stone towards increasing all transportation automation.
Why might some people consider robotic taxis a safer option for travel?
-Some people consider robotic taxis a safer option for travel, especially for women and members of marginalized groups, as they might avoid bad experiences with human rideshare drivers.
Outlines
🚗 Robotaxis in Phoenix: A Glimpse into the Future
The script describes the burgeoning popularity of robotic taxis in Phoenix, Arizona, as reported in the Wall Street Journal. The reporter's first-hand experience with a driverless taxi, owned by Alphabet, showcases the vehicle's smooth and cautious operation, including navigating stop signs and reaching destinations without human intervention. Phoenix's mayor expresses optimism about the technology, suggesting that it could be safer than human drivers in the long run due to the robotaxis' ability to process more information quickly. The city's open grid system is highlighted as a factor contributing to the success of the technology. However, incidents such as slow-speed crashes and software recalls affecting hundreds of cars are also acknowledged. The company is committed to refining the technology, working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and ensuring road safety. The script also touches on challenges faced in other cities, such as accidents involving General Motors' autonomous vehicles and the temporary suspension of permits.
🛠️ Phoenix's Embrace of Autonomous Technology and its Regulatory Landscape
This paragraph delves into the regulatory environment that has facilitated the growth of autonomous vehicles in Phoenix. The governor's executive orders have reduced regulations, allowing for public testing of these vehicles. The city has been a significant proponent of autonomous technology, which has led to the expansion of public use. The reporter discusses the company's expansion into other cities, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin, Texas. The reporter's personal experience with a robotic taxi is shared, noting initial unease but eventual comfort as the vehicle adheres to speed limits and avoids aggressive driving. The script also mentions the company's efforts to train its AI to interact with law enforcement and first responders, as well as to respond appropriately to sirens and emergency vehicles. The discussion concludes with the reporter's positive outlook on the technology, suggesting that it could become the norm in the future.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Robotic Taxis
💡Autonomous Vehicles
💡Technology Challenges
💡Regulations
💡Innovation
💡Safety
💡Incidents
💡Public Acceptance
💡Expansion
💡Social Impact
Highlights
Robotic taxis are becoming popular in Phoenix, Arizona, as reported in the Wall Street Journal.
The reporter experiences a ride in a driverless taxi owned by Alphabet, showcasing its smooth and cautious operation.
Phoenix Mayor expresses support for robotic taxis, citing their potential safety benefits over human drivers.
The city of Phoenix has been open to technology, which has contributed to the success of robotic taxis.
Despite some incidents, the company continues to refine the technology and work with authorities like NHTSA.
In other cities, there have been challenges with driverless taxis, including accidents and traffic issues.
The company is expanding its services, now covering a large area and operating at the major airport in Phoenix.
An expert suggests that the technology is still learning and that incidents may be the price to pay for developing safer systems.
A group partners with the company, advocating for robotic taxis as a safer option for marginalized groups.
The reporter discusses the potential of self-driving cars to improve transportation safety and efficiency.
The company is training its AI to interact with law enforcement and first responders in various situations.
Phoenix has been a champion of autonomous technology, with the governor reducing regulations to allow public testing.
The company is expanding to other cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin, Texas.
The reporter shares a personal experience, noting that while the initial ride was unnerving, they became comfortable with the technology.
The reporter notes that the robotic taxi drives slowly and cautiously, making the ride experience 'boring' after a while.
Transcripts
ONE COMPANY OPENED UP THE
SERVICE TO ALL SAN FRANCISCO
USERS.
IN THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
ARTICLE THAT CAUGHT HER EYE
SAID POPULARITY IS EXPLODING IN
ONE MAJOR CITY.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA.
WE WENT THERE TO CHECK IT OUT
FIRST HAND AND SEE WHAT IS
WORKING, AND WHAT IS NOT.
>> Reporter: HERE IN PHOENIX,
ROBOTIC TAXIS ARE QUITE THE
RIDE.
>> OPENED THE APP, CHOOSE THE
DESTINATION.
>> ALL RIGHT.
THE CAR IS HERE.
I WILL USE THE APP TO UNLOCK
IT.
AWAY WE GO.
SO, WE JUST HOPPED IN AWAY
MODE.
THERE IS NO DRIVER BEHIND THE
WHEEL. >> Reporter: THE ROBOTAXI OWNED
>> Reporter: THE ROBOTAXI OWNED
BY ALPHABET TAKES US FOR A
SMOOTH, CAUTIOUS RIDE.
THE STEERING WHEEL TURNING AS
IF AN INVISIBLE HAND IS GUIDING
IT.
WHEN WE GET TO A STOP SIGN, WE
REACH OUR DESTINATION WITH NO
ISSUES.
>> GOOD MORNING.
>> GOOD MORNING.
HOW ARE YOU?
>> Reporter: PHOENIX MAYOR IS A
BIG FAN.
>> WE KNOW DRIVERS DON'T HAVE
THE BAD DAYS THAT HUMAN DRIVERS
DO.
>> Reporter: DO YOU THINK THIS
IS SAFER THAN AN ACTUAL HUMAN
BEING BEING BEHIND THE WHEEL?
>> THERE ARE SO MANY MORE
THINGS.
WE PROCESS IT MORE QUICKLY.
IN THE LONG-TERM, I THINK IT
WILL BE SAFER.
>> Reporter: WHY IS THIS
WORKING SO WELL IN PHOENIX?
>> I THINK THEY HAVE BEEN VERY
OPEN TO THE TECHNOLOGY.
THEY HAVE BEEN SUPPORTIVE OF
CHALLENGES IN OTHER COMMUNITIES
THAT WE HAVE NOT HAD.
WE HAVE AN OPEN GRID SYSTEM. I THINK THAT IS EASIER TO
I THINK THAT IS EASIER TO
NAVIGATE.
>> Reporter: INCIDENTS LIKE A
SLOW SPEED CRASH IN MAY LED TO
A SOFTWARE RECALL OF MORE THAN
600 CARS.
THE ROBO TAXI CAUGHT ON CAMERA
MAKING OTHER MISTAKES, TURNING
INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, SWERVING
IN AND OUT OF ITS LANE, DRIVING
INTO A CONSTRUCTION ZONE AND
IGNORING AN OFFICER'S
INSTRUCTIONS TO PULL OVER TO
THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.
>> SIR, THERE IS NO ONE THERE.
>> Reporter: THEY DECLINED TO
COMMENT ON SPECIFIC INCIDENTS.
THEY CONTINUE TO REFINE THE
TECHNOLOGY.
SEVERAL INCIDENTS INVOLVED
COLLISIONS WITH CLEARLY VISIBLE
OBJECTS.
A COMPETENT DRIVER WOULD BE
EXPECTED TO AVOID THEM. THE COMPANY SAID IN PART, NHTSA
THE COMPANY SAID IN PART, NHTSA
PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN ROAD
SAFETY.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH
THEM AS PART OF OUR MISSION TO
BE THE WORLD'S MOST TRUSTED
DRIVER.
IN OTHER CITIES, DRIVERLESS
TAXIS ARE MAKING HEADLINES.
>> YOU ARE GOING THE WRONG WAY!
>> Reporter: A VEHICLE OWNED BY
GENERAL MOTORS RUNNING OVER AND
DRAGGING A WOMAN WHO HAD BEEN
STRUCK BY A HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER
LAST YEAR IN SAN FRANCISCO.
IN A STATEMENT, THEY SAID THE CAR RAKES AGGRESSIVELY AFTER
CAR RAKES AGGRESSIVELY AFTER
THE OTHER CAR LAUNCHED THE
PEDESTRIAN IN FRONT OF THE
VEHICLE.
REGULATORS TEMPORARILY
SUSPENDED THE COMPANY'S
PERMITS.
THE COMPANY WAS CRITICIZED FOR
CAUSING TRAFFIC JAMS AND
STOPPING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE
STREET.
CROSSING GUARDS TOLD NBC BAY
AREA THEY HAD NEARLY BEEN HIT
IN THE CROSSWALK.
>> THEY DID NOT RECOGNIZE ME IN
THE INTERSECTION.
>> Reporter: BACK IN PHOENIX,
THE COMPANY SAYS IT IS GROWING,
DOMINATING 315 SQUARE MILES
AROUND THE CITY.
THE LARGEST METRO AREA IN THE
COUNTRY, IT IS THE ONLY ROBO
TAXI THAT PICKS UP AND DROPS
OFF AT THE MAJOR AIRPORT.
THE FUTURE OF INNOVATION AND
SOCIETY PROFESSOR --
>> THE TECHNOLOGIES ARE STILL LEARNING.
LEARNING.
IT'S NOT 100% SAFE.
WE HAVE TECHNOLOGY THAT RUNS
INTO POLLS.
MAYBE THAT'S THE PRICE TO PAY
FOR DEVELOPING TECHNOLOGY THAT
WILL ULTIMATELY BE SAFER THAN
HUMANS. >> Reporter: REMOVING THE HUMAN
>> Reporter: REMOVING THE HUMAN
ELEMENT IS WHY A GROUP
PARTNERED WITH THE COMPANY,
CALLING IT A SAFER OPTION FOR
WOMEN AND MEMBERS OF
MARGINALIZED GROUPS TRAVELING
ALONE WHO MIGHT GET A BAD
EXPERIENCE WITH A RIDESHARE DRIVER.
DRIVER.
>> WE HAVE FOLKS WHO ARE GAY OR
LESBIAN.
THEY ARE AFRAID TO HOLD HER
PARTNER'S HAND BECAUSE OF WHAT
MIGHT HAPPEN WITH THE DRIVER.
THAT MIGHT COME UP UNSOLICITED.
>> Reporter: WHILE TECH
CONTINUES TO IMPROVE, SOME
BELIEVE IT COULD BE THE NORM
DOWN THE ROAD.
>> ONE SCENARIO IS WE USE SELF
DRIVING CARS AS A STEPPINGSTONE FOR THE FUTURE WHERE WE
FOR THE FUTURE WHERE WE
INCREASE ALL TRANSPORTATION.
>> VALERIE JOINS US NOW.
FASCINATING REPORT.
I WANT TO START WITH WHAT WE
SAW THERE.
THE POLICE OFFICER, HE WAS
TRYING TO MOVE THE CAR OUT OF
THE WAY.
HOW DOES THAT WORK?
>> Reporter: JUST LIKE ANY
HUMAN DRIVER BEHIND THE WHEEL,
IT GETS BETTER WITH EXPERIENCE.
THE COMPANY SAID IT WILL TRAIN
WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FIRST
RESPONDERS FOR SITUATIONS.
THEY SENT US A VIDEO THAT SHOWS
THE CAR INTERPRETING A WAY TO
USE AI TECHNOLOGY.
HERE, THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS ARE OUT
AT THE INTERSECTION.
SO IT SEES A POLICE OFFICER IN
THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.
USES THE OFFICER TO WAIVE IT
THROUGH THE INTERSECTION.
IT IS INTERPRETING THE OFFICER
FLAGGING IT THROUGH.
IT CAN ALSO SEE SIRENS.
IF THERE'S AN AMBULANCE BEHIND
THE CAR, IT WILL ALSO PULL OVER.
>> TALK TO ME ABOUT
REGULATIONS.
HOW WAS PHOENIX ABLE TO SORT OF
FIGURE THIS OUT?
>> Reporter: PHOENIX HAS BEEN A BIG CHAMPION OF AUTONOMOUS
BIG CHAMPION OF AUTONOMOUS
TECHNOLOGY.
THE GOVERNOR FOUND EXECUTIVE
ORDERS THAT WOULD REDUCE
REGULATIONS AND ALLOW FOR THESE
VEHICLES TO BE TESTED ON PUBLIC
ROADS.
IT HAS EXPANDED TO THE PUBLIC
ACTUALLY USING THESE VEHICLES.
>> YOU REMEMBER WHEN UBER
STARTED EXPANDING.
NOW IT IS ALL OVER THE WORLD.
WHAT HAPPENED?
ARE THEY EXPANDING THROUGH
OTHER CITIES?
>> Reporter: THEY ARE.
SAN FRANCISCO IS NOW AN OPEN
MARKET. [ INAUDIBLE ] PREVIOUSLY.
[ INAUDIBLE ] PREVIOUSLY.
IT OPERATES IN LIMITED CAPACITY
IN LOS ANGELES AND AUSTIN,
TEXAS.
THEY ARE CONTINUING TO GROW.
>> I WANT TO TRY IT.
I WAS WATCHING YOUR VIDEO.
IT MADE ME A LITTLE NERVOUS.
FOUR TIMES YOU TOLD ME, TALK TO
ME.
WERE YOU COMFORTABLE BY THE
END?
WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE?
>> THE FIRST ONE WAS DEFINITELY
UNNERVING.
YOU LOOK IN THE FRONT SEAT.
THERE WAS NO ONE BEHIND THE
WHEEL.
IT IS TAKING LEFT-HAND TIMES.
AFTER A WHILE, YOU ARE PRETTY
COMFORTABLE WITH IT.
IT'S NOT GOING TO GO PAST THE
SPEED LIMIT.
THE DRIVER IS NOT GOING TO HAVE
ROAD RAGE.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT
A DRIVER BEHIND THE WHEEL OR
ANYTHING LIKE THAT.
THE CAR GOES KIND OF SLOW.
IT IS BORING AFTER A WHILE.
>> DID YOU GET TO A POINT WHERE
YOU WERE ABLE TO ZONE OUT AND
NOT BE CONSTANTLY FOCUSED ON
THE ROAD?
>> IT'S KIND OF NICE.
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