As many of you know, we have researched, written, presented seminars, and otherwise worked with Driverless Vehicles (DV) for many years.
The DV, sometimes found under other labels, such as Automatic Vehicle, Automated Vehicle, Self-Driven Vehicle, Robo Vehicle, etc., is a topic that is very important to almost everyone in this world.
We all need transportation. Whether we walk, run, use another animal (horse, et al) or other means for mobility, we all must move from one place to another.
When airplanes came in, there was controversy with the use of the same. When the auto came into play, the horse and buggy were at risk. We all can think of many more examples of the movement in our society from one type of transportation to another. DV are now being utilized as opposed to humans driving the vehicle in question.
We had this discussion on this conflict many years ago; and we continue to ponder the pros and cons with each new development as to transportation.
Should we have flying taxis? Should individuals be allowed to fly with some sort of apparatus? Should we transport goods by means of drones? We can all add more issues along these lines. However, what we have seen over the last number of years is the development of transportation where there is no driver. Hence, the DV.
Years ago, Uber, in the transportation business, developed a model where there would hopefully be transportation that is safe, inexpensive, efficient, timely, and reliable, all via the use of some driver that, through the Uber technology and system, could be summoned to take the given proposed passenger to the designated destination.
Uber then saw the benefit of eliminating the driver. It would be more efficient, less expensive, more reliable, etc. Uber invested a good deal of capital in the Uber DV. It also eventually teamed up with some other companies in the DV business, allowing Uber to withdraw from the actual development of a DV.
Now Uber is back! It has teamed with others to expand on the DV via the Uber network system. Uber is now joint venturing with more and more large auto manufacturers to employ the DV technology inculcated within the Uber business model now utilized to move people and goods.
Look for additional developments in this area; and look for other Uber type companies to follow in the same path as Uber in working with major auto companies using DV.
By
Dr. Mark Lee Levine, Professor—University of Denver
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