Re Robo cars
Driving is one of the most dangerous things we do. Robo cars will likely slash the risk, and costs of automobile transportation.
This has a chance to be a big deal...very very fast. The cost savings will be tremendous overall, and particularly for the individual. It is very wasteful to finance a depreciating asset like an auto and have it sit in the garage, unused for 23 hours a day. Think about it. And then when we do use it, it provides transport for one person maybe 70% of the time? Storage (garage) , parking, maintenance, all costs on top of a depreciating asset. It's very inefficient.
If gas prices double, or triple , people will take a robo car in a heartbeat for affordable transport , yet still tailored to the individuals needs.
You will use a smart phone app and call for your car and an algorithm will automatically bring the most efficient available vehicle enroute, to pick you up. Each compartment will be locked down and separated from other passengers for security and privacy. You will be able to choose which people you travel with, based on positive feedback recommendations similar to Ebay sellers. Cause trouble and it costs you dearly trying to access the system in the future. Punishment is severe and immediate with higher costs and lack of access. Gang bangers can pay the premium to ride around together. ;-)
Within a generation of implementation, driving a car will look more backward than riding a horse, if driving is allowed at all.
The technical hurdles are relatively minor, and the cost savings will trump the initial negative psychological factors. |
