Key Points:
- In the year of AI, autonomous vehicles had a tough showing
- 2018 was a difficult year for autonomous vehicles
- There were several notable incidents involving autonomous vehicles
- Uber’s autonomous vehicle was involved in a fatal accident
- Waymo’s self-driving cars were also involved in accidents
- There is still much work to be done before autonomous vehicles can be made safe
In 2018, autonomous vehicles faced a number of challenges and setbacks, raising doubts about their readiness for mainstream adoption. One of the most high-profile incidents occurred in March, when an autonomous vehicle operated by Uber struck and killed a pedestrian in Arizona. This was the first known pedestrian fatality involving a self-driving car, and it highlighted the potential dangers of relying on these vehicles for transportation.
Other incidents involving autonomous vehicles occurred throughout the year. In May, a Tesla Model S in autopilot mode crashed into a parked fire truck in Utah. In June, another Tesla Model S collided with a police vehicle in California while in autopilot mode. And in November, Waymo’s self-driving cars were involved in multiple accidents in the Phoenix area.
These incidents underscore the challenges that still exist in making autonomous vehicles safe and reliable. While proponents of self-driving technology argue that these incidents are outliers, critics argue that they highlight the need for more rigorous testing and regulation. As of now, there are no federal regulations specifically governing autonomous vehicles, leaving companies to navigate a complex and evolving legal landscape.
In addition to safety concerns, autonomous vehicles also faced other obstacles in 2018. One major challenge was the high cost of developing and testing self-driving technology. Companies like Waymo and Uber have invested billions of dollars in their autonomous vehicle programs, but profitability remains elusive. The road to commercialization is a long and expensive one, and it remains to be seen when, or if, the investments will pay off.
Furthermore, public perception of autonomous vehicles was also a hurdle in 2018. While surveys have shown that many people are interested in self-driving cars, there is still a significant amount of skepticism and mistrust. This skepticism was heightened by the high-profile incidents involving Uber and Tesla, leading some to question the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles.
In conclusion, 2018 was a challenging year for autonomous vehicles. The incidents involving Uber and Tesla highlighted the need for more rigorous testing and regulation, while the high costs and public skepticism posed additional obstacles. It is clear that there is still much work to be done before autonomous vehicles can become a mainstream mode of transportation.