Waymo and Zoox robotaxis are an everyday sight on San Francisco streets and shortly Uber, by a partnership with Lucid and Nuro, will descend on town as properly. It’s precisely how San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie likes it.
“I believe we ought to be the testbed for rising expertise and AI and well being care tech — and all of it,” Lurie stated Wednesday on the principle stage of TechCrunch Disrupt. “We all the time have been, and below my management, we are going to proceed to steer and lean in.”
Lurie added that he’s pleased with the success that Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous automobile tech firm, has had within the Bay Space. And, he stated “we welcome others.”
Lurie was fast to say that security comes first, including that laws for autonomous autos are regulated on the state stage. The California Division of Motor Automobiles regulates the testing and deployment of autonomous autos. However firms that wish to supply and cost for robotaxi rides, should additionally get permits from the California Public Utilities Fee.
Whereas Lurie is opening his arms to autonomous autos, different cities are extra resistant. Boston, as an example, has thought-about a ban on autonomous autos within the metropolis.
“Waymo has confirmed out it’s a protected journey,” he stated, noting that the robotaxis have attracted vacationers who come town to take a journey within the driverless autos. “We’re hoping it opens on the airport shortly, and might take individuals right here into town.”
That doesn’t imply there gained’t be some resistance. As an example, the Teamsters Union has lobbied for restrictions on self-driving vans in a bid to guard jobs.
Lurie, in the meantime, has taken a bullish view on tech and the cash and jobs it will possibly convey to town.
“We imagine sooner or later,” he stated. “The long run begins all the time in San Francisco, and we’re going to lean into it.”
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