Waymo's autonomous ride-hailing service is now available on the Uber app in Austin, Texas. This expansion offers Uber users the option to hail a fully autonomous ride, powered by Waymo's fifth-generation Waymo Driver, in select central areas of the city. Initially, rides will be provided in a "rider-only" configuration with no human driver present, but future plans include testing rides with a trained vehicle operator. This partnership builds on previous collaborations between Waymo and Uber in Phoenix and San Francisco.
Self-driving buses, operating in simpler, more controlled environments than robotaxis, are emerging as a potentially faster route to widespread autonomous vehicle adoption. These buses can navigate fixed routes with fewer unpredictable variables, making them easier to deploy and potentially build public trust in autonomous technology. While challenges like complex intersections and pedestrian interactions remain, successful pilot programs suggest that autonomous buses could not only improve public transit but also pave the way for wider acceptance and eventual expansion of self-driving technology to personal vehicles.
HN commenters are generally skeptical of the claims made in the article about the potential of autonomous buses. Several point out the limitations of current self-driving technology, particularly in complex environments and unpredictable weather. Some highlight the "last mile" problem and doubt that these buses offer a significant advantage over existing public transit. Others question the economic viability, suggesting the cost and maintenance of these specialized vehicles might outweigh the benefits. A few commenters bring up safety concerns and the potential for accidents, referencing previous incidents involving autonomous vehicles. There's also discussion of the regulatory hurdles and public acceptance challenges that need to be overcome. While some express a degree of optimism, the overall sentiment appears to be cautious pessimism about the near-term impact of autonomous buses.
Summary of Comments ( 49 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43255895
HN commenters are generally positive about the Waymo-Uber partnership, viewing it as a pragmatic and beneficial move for both companies. Some express surprise, given the prior contentious lawsuit between them, but see this as a sign of maturity and a focus on customer benefit. Several commenters highlight the potential for increased competition and innovation in the autonomous vehicle space, leading to better service and wider availability for consumers. A few raise concerns about potential monopolies forming and the long-term implications for drivers, but the overall sentiment is one of cautious optimism about the collaboration. Several commenters also speculate about the technical and logistical challenges of integrating the two systems, and question the specifics of the revenue sharing model.
The Hacker News post "Ride into the Future with Waymo on Uber in Austin" linking to Uber's announcement of a partnership with Waymo has generated several comments discussing various aspects of the collaboration.
Several commenters express skepticism or cynicism regarding Uber's motives. One suggests that Uber is effectively admitting defeat in the autonomous vehicle race by partnering with a competitor, framing it as a "white flag" moment. Another speculates that Uber might be leveraging Waymo's technology to gather data and improve their own self-driving efforts, essentially using the partnership as a learning opportunity. Building on this theme, a further commenter points out the potential value of observing Waymo's handling of edge cases and safety protocols in real-world scenarios.
The potential impact on drivers is also a topic of discussion. One commenter raises concerns about the long-term job security of Uber drivers, anticipating that autonomous vehicles will eventually displace human drivers entirely. This concern is countered by another commenter who argues that the transition will be gradual, and that human drivers will likely remain a significant part of the ride-hailing ecosystem for the foreseeable future, especially for specialized services or situations not easily handled by autonomous vehicles.
Some comments focus on the technical and logistical challenges of autonomous vehicle deployment. One user questions the scalability and cost-effectiveness of Waymo's approach, highlighting the high cost of their sensor suite and specialized hardware. Another comment emphasizes the complexity of navigating and mapping constantly evolving urban environments, and the need for robust solutions to handle unexpected events and obstacles.
Finally, some comments offer more general observations about the autonomous vehicle industry. One commenter notes the rapid pace of development in the field, suggesting that widespread adoption of self-driving technology might be closer than many people realize. Another comment emphasizes the potential societal benefits of autonomous vehicles, including increased safety and reduced traffic congestion.
Several comments also discuss the specific choice of Austin as the launch city, speculating on the reasons behind this decision, including the city's favorable regulatory environment and its status as a tech hub. Some users also express interest in the potential implications for other cities and the future expansion of the partnership.