Source: The Verge
Summary
Zoox, a self-driving car company owned by Amazon, has announced plans to launch its purpose-built robotaxis on Uber’s app in Las Vegas this year and Los Angeles next year, pending federal approval. The robotaxis will be designed for ride-hailing services and will operate autonomously.
Our Reading
The launch follows a familiar script.
Zoox’s robotaxis will be available on Uber’s app, because what’s new is old again. The company promises “purpose-built” vehicles, which is just a fancy way of saying “designed for this specific task.” Autonomous ride-hailing is still a thing that’s supposed to change everything, apparently.
The robotaxis will operate in Las Vegas this year, and Los Angeles next year, pending federal approval, because regulatory hurdles are just minor speed bumps. This is all very exciting, if you haven’t been paying attention to the past decade of autonomous vehicle hype.
Zoox’s robotaxis are just another iteration of a concept we’ve been hearing about for years.
Author: Evan Null
Robotaxis: The Next Big Thing (Again)
Zoox’s announcement is just the latest in a long line of promises about autonomous vehicles. We’ve been hearing about the potential of self-driving cars for years, but actual progress has been slow.
Purpose-Built for Hype
The term “purpose-built” is just marketing speak for “designed for this specific task.” It’s a way to make the robotaxis sound more impressive than they actually are.
Federal Approval: A Minor Speed Bump
Regulatory hurdles are just minor speed bumps on the road to autonomous vehicle dominance. Or so we’re told.
The Future of Transportation (Again)
Autonomous ride-hailing is still a thing that’s supposed to change everything. We’ve been hearing this for years, but actual progress has been slow.
Just Another Iteration
Zoox’s robotaxis are just another iteration of a concept we’ve been hearing about for years. They’re not a game-changer, just another step in the slow march towards autonomous vehicles.
