Robotaxis--not so fast, Elon baby, 'til we get some key questions answered.. | FerrariChat

Robotaxis--not so fast, Elon baby, 'til we get some key questions answered..

Discussion in 'Technology' started by bitzman, Feb 27, 2023.

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  1. bitzman

    bitzman F1 Rookie
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    Feb 15, 2008
    3,287
    Ontario, CA
    Full Name:
    wallace wyss
    Elon Musk seems to be leading the way on this--a robot driven taxi.
    He has the platform, the skateboard as it were. He has the AI technology. I am not sure which state laws in which states require a person be at the wheel of a robot piloted vehicle
    Some drawings show a stubby four door van. I have heard rumors of it being divided into passenger sib-compartments. say each one big enough for two people.
    Presumably you wouldn't be able to see the compartment next to you for privacy.
    Here's where I have som e qualms I haven't taken taxis much (though it seems I did ride in human- powered one in the Philippines) but I would want to know who i getting into the compartment adjoining and what are they carrying?
    For instance if a tattoed (including neck and face) gang member accoutered guy got in, carrying long bundles (long enough for, say, an AR15) I'd want to bail out. Right now I think in most cities those renting a taxi have the passenger compartment to themselves and the driver has to ask permission of the first rider if they want to let in another, share the ride But I don't know if a Robotaxi rider will have the clout to refuse entrance to new riders. Plus every time it stops for a new rider while already carrying one, the original rider loses precious time. What happens if each new passenger takes 10 minutes to get himself and hi gear in? And what happens if it stops three times for passengers ? That's 30 minutes lost to the original passenger who booked the ride for each additional passenger. (maybe you can book it exclusive but that defeats the purpose of lessening traffic on the road)
    Then too, since the already-on-board passengers might not be able to see who or what is going into the adjoining cubicle, how do we know somebody hasn't just loaded on a time bomb and closed the door. Does the robot driver have the ability to refuse entrance if there is no passenger or cargo only? How do the already on board passenger feel about that? At airports as plane passengers, we count on FAA screeners to catch suspicious cargo. But if there is no human driving the Robotaxi, who's checking?
    Another worry for parents. Send the kids to school by Robotaxi, right? Except hackers may divert the vehicle to God knows where. You've just handed your kids to a kidnapper.
    I have heard estimates the Robotaxis will greatly reduce the cost of taxi service but until I have all these questions answered, count me out.
    By the way, pending US approval, i think Tesla will institute it in say little populated areas, or in primitive countries where there's unlikely to be lawsuits should something go wrong.....
     

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