🚖 As autonomous vehicles like Waymo’s robotaxis continue to expand, Uber drivers are feeling the pressure, and some are already bracing for a grim future. With AI-powered taxis on the rise, many drivers fear their jobs could soon be obsolete. 😟🚗💨
“We Are Cooked”—Drivers React 😬
In a candid discussion on an Uber forum, one driver didn’t mince words, stating, “We’re done for. In the age of artificial intelligence and automation, we’re the first to be impacted in a major way.” 😓
This sentiment is shared by many Uber drivers as companies like Waymo—owned by Google—have ramped up their robotaxi services. Currently, Waymo gives over 100,000 paid rides each week across San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.
🛑 But here’s the real kicker: Waymo’s luxurious, cutting-edge vehicles are making it harder for traditional Uber drivers to compete. One driver noted, “If you’re riding around in an Uber X, you’re in an old Prius, or maybe a Tesla… Waymo has super nice leather, cushy seats, great suspension, big tires.” 🤖✨
Robotaxis: The Future or Just a Fancy Tech Demo? 🛠️
While it seems like robotaxis could soon dominate, it’s not all smooth sailing just yet. Despite their sleek appeal, Waymo and other companies are hemorrhaging money. For instance, Waymo posted a $2 billion loss in just the first half of this year. 🤑💸
Plus, there are still major technical challenges to overcome. For example, General Motors’ Cruise division faced a public setback after one of its autonomous cars pinned a pedestrian during an incident. This forced the company to slash its spending on the division, leaving the future of its robotaxis uncertain. 😬🚧
The Long Road Ahead for Robotaxis 🚦
Former Uber exec Emil Michael pointed out a key issue: the cost. Each Waymo vehicle costs around $300,000 with all its fancy tech. For now, that price tag means replacing human drivers isn’t exactly a cost-effective option—at least not yet. 📊💰
So while Uber drivers are understandably anxious, the robotaxi takeover might still be a few years away. For now, human drivers still have a fighting chance—but for how long remains a burning question. 🔥🤔
- Will robotaxis reshape urban transportation?
- The real cost behind autonomous vehicles
👀 Stay tuned for more on the future of ride-hailing!
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