Are robotaxis the future? Or instead, the past?
Are robotaxis the future? Or instead, the past?
The news media has expended considerable effort researching and publishing information about the robotaxi business. This channel highlights some of the important articles.
SF Chronicle reports that the DA is charging multiple counts of vandalism for allegedly damaging multiple Waymo vehicles. It appears that one of the charges is for a "coning" that caused no damage.
Fox Business reports that GM is supposedly getting back into the autonomous vehicle business, but not for robotaxis this time.
electrek reports on how Tesla not lost the most recent trial to a tune of $243 million but they also tried to hide relevant data. They will likely fare even worse in the upcoming trial in California.
TechCrunch reports that all that talk by Elon Musk on how the Dojo AI supercomputer was going to be key to Tesla autonomous driving. Well, it turns out to be complete BS and the project has been shut down.
The Verge interviews the lawyer behind the $243 million award and discusses how this is just the start of a morass of legal problems for Tesla.
Motortrend reports on the new Zeekr vehicles that have recently been spotted in San Francisco, though not yet able to provide passenger service.
Reuters reports that the NHTSA has certified Zoox robotaxi vehicles for demonstration use even though they do not have driving controls and therefore do not meet federal safety requirements.
Reuters reports that Tesla and Elon Musk are being sued for misrepresenting claims on abilities of Tesla robotaxi system
NY Times reports that Tesla Autopilot was flawed and that Tesla bore 1/3 responsibility in the death of Naibel Benavides. Tesla will be required to pay $243 million in punitive and compensatory damages to the parents of the woman and to her boyfriend.
The Verge reports the exciting news that a Tesla fanboy got a ride from an illegal ride hailing vehicle with a human driver.
eelectrek reports on a 2nd AV test done in China, this one in an urban setting. Key conclusion is that none of the autonomous driving systems are ready for prime time.
Business Insider reports that the court hearing is over on whether Tesla can continue to sell cars in California. It will be very interesting to see what decision will be made.
electrek reports that real-world testing was done on multiple autonomous vehicles. The results were quite awful, in fact so bad the Tesla had the best rating.
SF Standard reports that the California Public Utilities Commission confirmed on Friday that Tesla has NOT received approval from the CPUC to offer autonomous passenger service to customers, paid or unpaid, with or without a driver. And they have not even applied for the proper permit. In short, they are not allowed to operate the service they claim to be moving forward with.
Reuters reports that NHTSA has dropped their investigation of multiple Waymo incidences including collisions and traffic violations. No action was taken.
