To avoid blocking the self-driving fleet, the company has decided to pay 20 dollars for locking doors left open by Waymo customers
The self-driving industry is facing an unexpected obstacle that has little to do with the computing power or accuracy of radar and cameras. Waymothe division of Alphabet dedicated to robotaxi services, is in fact managing a decidedly analogue problem in a digital world: doors left open by passengers. A distraction that the electronics of self-driving taxis interpret as a potential danger, automatically blocking any car that reports an open or improperly closed door. For this reason the US company has decided to pay at least 20 dollars those who will intervene to correctly close the doors of Waymo vehicles. Involving, for the moment, tow truck drivers and other roadside assistance providers.
HARDWARE LIMIT
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The problem arises from the nature of the vehicles currently in use in the Waymo fleet. The Jaguar I-Pace used for the service are series cars adapted with level 4 sensors and software which however maintain the traditional mechanics of hinged doors. In this way, if a passenger gets out without closing the door properly, the safety system inhibits travel. The car, without a driver and remote locking systems therefore it remains stalledcreating potential traffic jams and requiring immediate assistance. Waymo management therefore found a bridge solution by taking advantage of the service offered by Honk.
THE OPERATION
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Honk is a roadside assistance application on demand which works with a similar logic to that of Uber. It is normally used by motorists to request immediate services such as tow truck, battery restart, tire change or door unlocking if the keys are left inside the car. In this case, Waymo takes advantage of the network of Honk operators already present in the area to quickly send someone to close the doortreating the operation as a micro-assistance intervention. When a vehicle reports the anomaly, a request for intervention in the area is generated. The reward for those who accept the task is approx 20-24 dollars based on the distance from the intervention.
THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION
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Honk’s help, however, is to be considered a transitional phase for Waymo. The final word should come with the next generation of robotaxis. The Jaguar I-Paces are in fact destined to be replaced by different vehicles. Waymo’s first choice would currently be the Hyundai Ioniq 5but we are also evaluating the use of customized models created by Zeeker equipped with automatic doors.
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