When trucks drive themselves with Chris Urmson of Aurora

Autonomous vehicles have the potential to revolutionize the trucking industry and address the shortage of truck drivers. While self-driving cars like robo taxis are already being tested in cities like San Francisco and Phoenix, the impact on trucking is equally significant. Chris Urmson, the founder of Aurora, believes that autonomous driving systems can operate large semitrucks and passenger cars, providing a solution to the shortage of truck drivers in the US. Urmson's interest in robotics was ignited during his time at Carnegie Mellon, where he witnessed the emergence of autonomous driving technology. The development of autonomous vehicles started with competitions like the DARPA Grand Challenge, which aimed to keep military personnel safe on supply lines. As the technology advanced, it shifted towards driving in urban environments.

The development of autonomous vehicles has come a long way since its early stages. In 2004, the first challenge for autonomous vehicles saw little success, with only one vehicle managing to go seven miles out of the intended 130 miles. However, by 2005, there was a significant leap in technology, with multiple cars finishing the challenge. This leap was due to the opportunity to bring together various research and technologies focused on the mission of autonomous vehicles. The integration of lidar radar camera, machine learning, and high-definition maps paved the way for the creation of self-driving vehicles. Despite the challenges faced, the progress made during those years spurred the passion and determination of many individuals in the field.

Self-driving vehicles have the potential to significantly improve our lives by addressing the safety concerns associated with traditional driving. With thousands of lives lost in traffic accidents annually, self-driving technology offers a solution to this widespread issue. Additionally, self-driving vehicles can provide people with the freedom and convenience they desire in terms of mobility. The conversation highlights the importance of innovation and technological advancements in the automotive industry to create a safer and more efficient transportation system. Furthermore, it emphasizes the role of government funding and competitions in driving progress in this field. Overall, self-driving vehicles have the capacity to be transformative for society, benefiting both individuals and the economy.

Autonomous vehicles have the potential to give freedom back to people who have lost the ability to drive due to illness, injury, or age. Chris Urmson emphasizes that not being able to drive can result in isolation and have devastating social and physical impacts on individuals. By providing ubiquitous, highly efficient, clean, and safe transportation, autonomous vehicles can level the accessibility of transportation and create a more inclusive society. The conversation also highlights the importance of keeping generations engaged together and leveling the social playing field. Google's secret autonomous vehicle project aimed to accomplish the goals of driving a hundred thousand miles in public roads and a thousand miles of specific roads, showcasing the progress and capabilities of autonomous vehicles.

Self-driving vehicles are rapidly advancing and becoming more accessible to the public. Through extensive testing and mapping of various types of roads, companies like Google's Waymo have made significant progress in developing self-driving technology. While there is still work to be done to perfect these vehicles, they are already being deployed in cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, and LA for public use. The emergence of self-driving technology has the potential to greatly benefit society, as it offers convenience and improved transportation options. In the competitive landscape of self-driving technology, companies like Aurora aim to make a significant impact by bringing together the right expertise, collaborative spirit, and innovative business models.

The focus of the company is initially on the trucking industry, which can have a huge impact on improving efficiency and lowering costs, while also addressing the critical shortage of truck drivers and benefiting the US economy. The company has made important technological bets, such as their specialized lidar technology called "first light," which allows them to see farther and instantly detect the speed of moving objects. They have also integrated machine learning and AI with classical algorithms to create a robust and human-like driving system. While there are similarities in developing autonomous technology for both cars and trucks, there are significant differences in the need for long-distance perception and the ability to react at high speeds. The company's goal is to build the driving capability rather than manufacturing vehicles, collaborating with established vehicle manufacturers instead. Currently, their technology is at level two of autonomous driving, where cars have some automation features like Tesla vehicles.

There are different levels of autonomy in driving technology. Level zero represents manual driving with basic controls, while levels one and two involve systems that assist a human driver. Level three is a confusing area, but levels four and five indicate that the system is capable of driving the vehicle without human intervention, with the human serving as a passenger. The speaker's company aims to develop level four autonomous systems that can perform end-to-end driving tasks. While they have achieved feature completeness, further testing and refinement are required to ensure safety and address any shortcomings. Ultimately, the decision to use this technology for transporting goods or people lies with the partners, such as FedEx.

Automated driving systems, like the Aurora driver, have the potential to greatly enhance the safety and efficiency of long haul trucking. While there may be initial skepticism about the capabilities of machine-driven trucks, Chris Urmson explains that technology can solve for various variables such as weather conditions and challenging road situations. For instance, the Aurora driver can adjust its speed and response based on limited visibility caused by fog, preventing accidents caused by human drivers' faith-based driving approach. By removing impatience and ego from driving, automated systems can reliably transport goods from point A to point B, positively impacting the industry. Despite concerns about job displacement, the adoption of driverless trucks addresses the shortage of human long haul drivers, improving the overall efficiency and safety of the transportation sector.

The advancement of autonomous vehicles presents both challenges and opportunities for truck drivers. While it is important to acknowledge the difficult and dangerous nature of their job, there is a potential for these drivers to transition to other roles as society evolves. The shortage of truck drivers is expected to continue, making retirement and better job prospects possible for those in the industry. Additionally, there will be a growing demand for local hauls, offering alternative employment opportunities. The development of autonomous vehicles also brings forth new job prospects in vehicle maintenance and command center operations. While these technological advancements may disrupt certain jobs, it is anticipated to ultimately improve the quality of life and increase employment. Safety measures and simulations are being implemented to ensure the reliability and trustworthiness of autonomous vehicles. Although it is ambitious, commercial service with autonomously driven trucks is expected by the end of 2024, opening possibilities for companies like FedEx to utilize branded autonomous trucks for hauling goods.

Autonomous trucking is rapidly evolving and human involvement in driving may become obsolete in the near future. Chris Urmson discusses the progress made in developing self-driving trucks and explains that their initial launch will be on specific trucking routes, with plans to expand the network in the future. The conversation also highlights the possibility of a significant portion of the trucking fleet in the US becoming autonomous within a decade. However, it is acknowledged that certain types of trailers present more complex challenges for autonomous driving, particularly flatbed trailers. While complete autonomy for every long haul vehicle may not be certain, advancements in technology and innovation continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the industry.

Transparency and engagement are crucial for autonomous vehicle companies to gain trust and reduce knee-jerk reactions from regulators and the public. Chris Urmson, referring to his experience at Google, explains that initially every accident made national news, but as they improved their safety protocols and shared information about incidents, the media coverage diminished. He emphasizes the importance of proactively informing regulatory agencies about any accidents or incidents, as well as openly sharing this information with the public through videos and blogs. By actively engaging with federal and state regulators, autonomous vehicle companies can help them understand the technology's potential and risks, building trust and ensuring they are not caught off guard by any developments.