NBC News reporter test rides driverless taxi in Arizona

Summary

In 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.