NBC News reporter test rides driverless taxi in Arizona

NBC News

25 Jun 202406:54

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

00:00

🚗 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.

05:01

🛠️ 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

Robotic taxis refer to autonomous vehicles designed to transport passengers without the need for a human driver. In the video, robotic taxis are highlighted as a burgeoning service in Phoenix, Arizona, where they are owned by Alphabet and are noted for their smooth and cautious rides. The script mentions a reporter's experience using the app to unlock and ride in one of these taxis, emphasizing the novelty and the technology's potential to transform transportation.

💡Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous vehicles, also known as self-driving cars, are equipped with sensors and artificial intelligence to navigate and operate without human input. The video discusses the deployment of such vehicles in Phoenix, where they are seen as a safer alternative to human-driven cars, especially in terms of consistency and lack of 'bad days'. The mayor's endorsement and the technology's ability to process information quickly are mentioned as reasons for its perceived safety.

💡Technology Challenges

Technology challenges refer to the issues and obstacles that arise during the development and implementation of new technologies. The script describes incidents where robotic taxis have encountered problems, such as slow-speed crashes and software recalls, indicating that while the technology is promising, it is not without its challenges. These incidents highlight the ongoing process of refining and improving autonomous vehicle technology.

💡Regulations

Regulations in the context of the video pertain to the rules and guidelines governing the testing and operation of autonomous vehicles on public roads. Phoenix is noted for its supportive stance towards autonomous technology, with the governor issuing executive orders to reduce regulations and facilitate public testing. This regulatory environment is crucial for the growth and acceptance of robotic taxis.

💡Innovation

Innovation is the process of introducing new ideas, devices, or methods. The video presents robotic taxis as an innovative solution in the transportation sector, with the potential to increase safety and efficiency. The discussion about the technology's learning curve and the comparison to the early days of Uber illustrate how innovation can disrupt traditional industries and pave the way for new services.

💡Safety

Safety is a central theme in the video, with the comparison between human drivers and robotic taxis highlighting the potential for fewer errors and accidents with autonomous vehicles. The mayor's comment about drivers not having bad days and the company's statement about working with NHTSA to ensure road safety underscore the emphasis on creating a secure transportation environment.

💡Incidents

Incidents, as mentioned in the script, refer to accidents or near-misses involving robotic taxis. These include collisions with visible objects and failure to follow instructions from law enforcement. These incidents are critical for understanding the current limitations of the technology and the areas that need improvement for the safe integration of autonomous vehicles into public spaces.

💡Public Acceptance

Public acceptance is the willingness of the community to embrace and use new technologies. The video discusses how Phoenix's open attitude towards technology has contributed to the successful implementation of robotic taxis. Public acceptance is vital for the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles and influences how quickly and effectively these services can expand.

💡Expansion

Expansion in this context refers to the growth of robotic taxi services into new markets and areas. The video mentions the company's growth in Phoenix, covering a large area and servicing the major airport. It also notes the company's expansion into other cities like San Francisco, indicating a broader trend of increasing availability and accessibility of autonomous transportation services.

💡Social Impact

Social impact refers to the effects of a service or technology on society. The video suggests that robotic taxis could provide a safer option for marginalized groups, such as women and LGBTQ+ individuals, who might have negative experiences with human drivers. This highlights the potential for technology to address social issues and improve the quality of life for certain demographics.

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.