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Robocars 2024 in Review: Top Ten Stories and More
As we close out the year 2024, it’s time to reflect on the major developments in the robo-car industry. Despite some setbacks, the sector remains a hotbed of innovation and investment.
One notable story is that of Tesla’s grand plan for robotaxis, which ultimately fell flat due to software issues. The company’s attempts to showcase its capabilities through a “We Robot” launch event were met with skepticism, as the technology still has a long way to go before it can be considered viable.
In other news, General Motors (GM) has shut down its Cruise robotaxi efforts and will redirect resources to work on advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for its consumer vehicles. This move comes as no surprise, given Cruise’s lack of progress in the past year. However, some see this decision as a sign that GM is afraid of the future, having been unwilling to take bold action.
Despite these setbacks, other companies are pushing forward with their own robotaxi projects. Mercedes-Benz has received permission to test its highway-only robotaxis at speeds of up to 95 km/h in Germany, and Chinese EV makers continue to make strides in the field.
The year also saw a significant shift in the regulatory landscape. With both Cruise and Uber having been involved in pedestrian accidents with serious consequences, there is growing sentiment that these projects may require more stringent regulations. The DMV played a role in Cruise’s demise by removing them from the streets, likely hastening their end.
As we look to 2025, it appears that Waymo remains the only fully operational robotaxi service in the West, while Zoox has delayed its launch until next year. May Mobility is operating a limited shuttle service with remote supervision, but no human driver on board.
It’s worth noting that Tesla remains an unpredictable wild card in this space, with CEO Elon Musk’s willingness to take risks and bend the rules allowing them to push the boundaries of what is possible. While they are far behind the leaders in safety performance, their innovative approach may yet pay off.
The trucking sector, on the other hand, is eager to move into production and many startups continue to pursue their goals. It’s unclear if this will be a year of shakeouts or not, but one thing is certain: 2025 will be an exciting time for robo-car enthusiasts.
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Sources:
* Forbes article by Brad Templeton: “Should Tesla Buy Cruise?”
Source: http://www.forbes.com
