There is a debate on the timeline for consumer-ready self-driving vehicles. Some anticipate seeing them in the next few years, while others predict it will take another couple of decades. Nevertheless, the first generation of autonomous driving AI will likely become a reality within our lifetime.
For AI enthusiasts, the idea of riding in a self-driving car is both exciting and concerning. While the thought of hands-free commuting or napping on a road trip is appealing, worries about the reliability and safety of the technology persist.
In the tech industry, it is common for the first generation of a product to have shortcomings due to rushed development or unforeseen issues.
So, should we trust the first generation of self-driving vehicles?
The Marketplace
The economics of the decision are worth considering. First-generation self-driving cars will be more expensive than later versions and manual alternatives. In a few years, used self-driving cars will likely be more affordable, making it wise to wait for subsequent generations.
The Rush
Companies are in a competitive rush to bring self-driving cars to market, which may lead to cutting corners and compromising on quality assurance testing, as seen in leaked internal memos from Uber.
Laws and Regulations
Laws vary by state, with no fully autonomous vehicles allowed on American roads at present. Lawmakers are cautious about exposing consumers to unnecessary risks, which could counteract the rush to bring cars to market quickly.
When First-Generation Is Second-Generation
By the time consumer-ready self-driving cars are available, developers will have refined and tested their algorithms over many years. Therefore, the “first” generation may actually be more accurately labeled as the second generation.
The Benefits
Even a suboptimal AI algorithm is likely to be safer and more efficient than a human driver, given that the majority of traffic accidents are caused by human error. Autonomous vehicles have the potential to significantly reduce vehicular fatalities.
While the eagerness of corporations to bring autonomous vehicles to the market quickly poses risks, incremental improvements in efficiency and safety could justify the transition. It is important to stay informed and maintain a balanced perspective before making a decision about purchasing a self-driving vehicle.
