In this episode, Sean and Andrew go for a drive in an autonomous Waymo car, and discuss the current state of technology, the various levels of automation, and the societal changes that may arise from widespread adoption of self-driving cars.
In this conversation, Sean and Andrew explore the future of transportation, particularly focusing on driverless cars and the implications of autonomous vehicles. They discuss the current state of technology, the various levels of automation, and the societal changes that may arise from widespread adoption of self-driving cars. The conversation also touches on personal experiences with Waymo, the challenges of public perception, and the potential benefits for individuals with disabilities. In this conversation, the hosts explore the experience of riding in an autonomous vehicle, specifically a Waymo, discussing its driving behavior, safety features, and the implications of self-driving technology. They touch on the normalization of autonomous driving, the data surrounding safety, and the ethical dilemmas posed by such technology, including the famous trolley problem. The discussion highlights the advancements in autonomous driving while also questioning the responsibilities and societal impacts of these technologies.
See the Full Waymo Ride [YouTube]
Special Acknowledgment
We'd like to acknowledge the partial funding support provided by the US Department of Transportation-sponsored Travel Behavior and Demand National University Transportation Center led by The University of Texas at Austin. The Center, of which Arizona State University is a consortium member, has helped make this podcast episode, and the research we're discussing, possible
Chapters
00:00 Envisioning the Future of Transportation
03:00 The Reality of Driverless Cars
11:59 Understanding Levels of Automation
23:55 The Road Ahead for Autonomous Vehicles
31:13 Navigating Autonomous Driving: A New Experience
39:17 The Waymo Experience: First Impressions and Observations
50:41 Safety in Autonomous Vehicles: Analyzing the Data
59:57 Ethical Dilemmas in Autonomous Driving: The Trolley Problem