Tesla’s driverless service involves a human safety monitor in the front passenger seat to intervene if an error occurs. Critics argue that Tesla is behind competitors like Waymo and Zoox, which claim to offer fully self-driving rides with no human supervisor.
Expert Missy Cummings says Tesla’s technology is still in its early stages, “If learning to deploy a self-driving car system was grades K through 12, Tesla is in first grade.” Law professor Bryant Walker Smith agrees, stating that Tesla’s progress is like “splashing around in the kiddie pool” before entering the more competitive autonomous driving industry.
Tesla’s lack of transparency on its technology and recent safety incidents, such as cameras failing to detect a stopped truck, have raised concerns. Research questions whether Tesla’s camera system alone can make safe driving decisions without human oversight.
The uncertainty surrounding Tesla’s autonomy may affect consumer confidence in its robotaxi service, which is already facing declining sales and lawsuits related to its safety features. However, experts emphasize the importance of embracing electric vehicles as a safer and more effective way to save money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Collaborative efforts between EV automakers and rideshare companies are promoting sustainable transportation options like shared rideshares and public transportation. Other innovative brands are making progress in autonomous driving, bringing us closer to a driverless reality that is safer than human-driven cars.
Source: https://www.thecooldown.com/green-business/tesla-robotaxi-autonomous-vehicle-ev