Iron Man analyzes Waymo and Uber's robotaxi expansion in Atlanta, highlighting their lead over Tesla in the autonomous vehicle race. Spoiler alert: I'm not trading in my suit anytime soon.
Iron Man analyzes Waymo and Uber's robotaxi expansion in Atlanta, highlighting their lead over Tesla in the autonomous vehicle race. Spoiler alert: I'm not trading in my suit anytime soon.

Another Day Another Technological Takedown

Alright people let's cut the chitchat. Heard the news? Waymo and Uber are getting cozy in Atlanta launching their robotaxi service. Apparently they're covering about 65 square miles which is impressive even for someone who can circumnavigate the globe in oh let's say under an hour. No highways or airport runs just yet but hey baby steps. And you know what makes it even better? They're doing it in electric Jaguar I PACE SUVs. Now that's what I call traveling in style… almost as stylish as my armor.

Elon We Need To Talk

Now let's talk about Tesla. Seems like Elon's finally dipping his toes into the robotaxi pool in Austin. But here's the kicker: it's invite only daytime only and comes with a human valet. A VALET! Seriously? It's like going to a robot party and having your mom chaperone. Waymo's out there doing the 'no human supervisor' thing and Tesla's still holding hands. I guess some people can't handle the responsibility right? “Sometimes you gotta run before you can walk.” or in this case before you can drive...

Sensors and Nonsense

And get this: Waymo's using lidar and radar sensors – the good stuff. Tesla's going old school relying solely on cameras as if that's enough to see through a New York fog or a rogue pigeon attack. It's like bringing a knife to a Stark Industries drone fight. I'm not saying it can't be done but I wouldn't bet my penthouse on it. No offense Elon but you're playing catch up and the finish line is getting further away!

From Pioneer to… Puttering?

Remember when Tesla was the golden child of self driving cars? Now they are now fighting to catch up with Waymo and Chinese companies like Baidu's Apollo Go and WeRide which also partners with Uber. Talk about a fall from grace. They were the pioneers the innovators but now they're just… puttering along. It's like seeing Captain America struggle to lift Thor's hammer. Disappointing to say the least.

Uber Alles… Except Delivery

So in Atlanta and Austin you hail a Waymo ride through the Uber app. San Francisco and Los Angeles? Waymo One app. Simple right? Too bad this partnership only covers passenger rides no Uber Eats deliveries. So no getting your shawarma automatically delivered by a robotaxi. Guess you'll have to get off your posterior like that's going to happen anytime soon. “Genius billionaire playboy philanthropist.” and now Iron Man is your Uber commentator.

Stark's Verdict: Still Need a Driver's License… and Style

Look I'm all for progress but I'm not trading in my suit for a robotaxi anytime soon. There is no amount of money you can give me to wear that ridiculous spandex outfit. Give me a suit of armor any day. Sure these driverless cars are getting smarter but they still lack that certain 'je ne sais quoi.' You know the flair the panache the ability to make a grand entrance? Until they can do that I'll stick to flying solo. Stark out!


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