History of autonomus vehicles (AV) is quite interesting. In 2010s companies like Mercedes, Ford or BMW were trying to develop self-driving cars, although unsuccessfully. A year ago closest of accomplishing this idea was Tesla with their economical car. However, still there has to be a human driver behind the wheel to control this car due to regulations.
Nevertheless, in 2021 Raquel Urtason has started company that can revolutionize AV market. This company, which is called Waabi, are developing self-driving truck but in slightly different way than it was done by the others. Instead of testing software in real world, Raquel and her team have decided to test it in another program. They are testing programmed AI in simulation which is magnificently similar to the open roads in the real world. Quoting Raquel Urtason: “Typically in the industry, you will build a prototype, collect data, make your software compatible and then you will discover issues and build the next generation a year and a half, or two years later. With Waabi our hardware design is done in simulation so you already built that next generation.” Because of this approach Waabi could be the first company to release their product before the competitors. What is more Waabi is working with truck drivers who know the industry and the market which gives Waabi competitive advantage. With different attitude presented by the CEO, this company can accomplish something amazing way before their competitors.
I am writing about this company owing to their’s new approach which is very fascinating. We’re talking about new generation technology which apparently is going to speed up placing this product on the market. However, this “speeding up” doesn’t mean very soon, due to many hindrances ahead of Waabi. Firstly, regulations. In this field of business there are a lot of them. Primary thing is that people, especially government need to be convinced about safety of this technology which will not be easy. Another problem is how much money people will need to pay for that technology. If the price is too high, it will be unworthy business for buyers. We can speak about many advantages of such a solution but money is the most important factor in business.
On the other hand, technology is getting more and more advanced and people’s mindset is changing all the time so let me tell you some positive aspects of this technology which can help Waabi to overcome some obstacles. The most important of them is safety. Nowadays there are many drivers who are irresponsible on the road. Presence of refined AI system in AV could simply decrease a number of car accidents on the roads which is a very serious problem is our world. Another positive thing, that Waabi is trying to implement, is that those people who are now truck drivers would not have to resign from their foregoing work and retire peacefully.
In my opinion we won’t see Waabi’s self-driving cars on the roads very soon, although it will eventually happen in the future and I believe in Raquel’s company . Waabi is getting closer but this kind of product needs to be done as precisely as it’s possible so it must take some time to do it perfectly. How about you? What do you think about this kind of car on the roads? Will the Waabi succeed?
Sources & references:
https://actu.epfl.ch/news/self-driving-technology-needs-ai-as-its-focal-poin/
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-waabi-driverless-trucks-north-america/
“Waabi unveils its first-generation self-driving truck”- https://techcrunch.com/