FYI: Cruise is set to return to the public roads, pairing with Uber to introduce robotaxis to its fleet while navigating the challenges of safety and regulations.
Cruise Robotaxis gearing up for a Comeback
Cruise, a self-driving technology firm supported by General Motors, is diligently attempting to reintegrate its robotaxi service into the public domain following a suspension due to an incident involving a pedestrian in San Francisco last fall.
Testing Resumes Under Close Supervision
In May, Cruise resumed testing its robotaxis, primarily based on the Chevrolet Bolt EV, in Phoenix with safety drivers present in every vehicle. This supervised testing has now extended to additional cities, including Dallas and Houston.
Overcoming Technical and Regulatory Hurdles
Transitioning to a driverless operation is a significant challenge, but Cruise has seen some progress. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concluded its investigation into sudden braking issues after Cruise agreed to a recall and plans to implement a software update for approximately 1,200 robotaxis involved.
Ongoing Investigations and Safety Concerns
However, a separate investigation remains active to determine if Cruise is adequately ensuring pedestrian safety. This stems from an incident in San Francisco where a female pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in the adjacent lane, propelling her into the path of a Cruise robotaxi. Although the robotaxi initiated braking to evade the collision, it still hit the pedestrian and, in attempting to pull over, unfortunately dragged her for about 20 feet. Following this incident, the California DMV revoked Cruise’s operating license.
Strategic Partnership with Uber
Despite the ongoing scrutiny, Cruise is forging ahead with an exciting partnership. Starting next year, Cruise robotaxis will become part of Uber’s fleet, although the specific cities for this collaboration have not yet been disclosed. This partnership signifies a major step for both companies in advancing autonomous vehicle technology.
Uber’s Shift in Strategy
Initially, Uber aimed to develop its own robotaxi service. However, after facing high development costs and a fatal incident in Tempe in 2018, where a robotaxi prototype struck and killed a pedestrian, the company decided to abandon its self-driving division, selling it to Aurora in 2020.
Leading the Way: Waymo’s Success
Meanwhile, Alphabet’s Waymo stands out as a leader in the robotaxi space. According to CNBC, Waymo One is already providing around 100,000 paid robotaxi trips weekly in its operational cities: San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.
Conclusion
As Cruise navigates the complex landscape of safety and regulatory approval, its partnership with Uber represents a pivotal opportunity to cement its presence in the autonomous vehicle market. While challenges remain, the potential benefits of safer, more efficient transportation keep the industry moving forward.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
