Odin's Chariots! Driverless Cars Set to Conquer the World (Maybe)

The Seer Saw This Coming... Probably

Hark fellow Vikings! Ragnar Lothbrok here reporting from the future – a strange place indeed. I’ve heard whispers on the wind carried across the seas (not by my ships sadly but by something called ‘the internet’) about these… driverless chariots. Apparently some smooth talking fellow named Jensen Huang from a land called Nvidia claims this will be the 'decade of AV'. AV they call it. Sounds like a particularly dull god to me. He says these machines will drive themselves! No need for reins no need for a strong arm... just sit back and let the metal beast do the work. Where's the fun in that? Where's the challenge? Where's the chance to crash gloriously into a tree while drunk on mead?

Robotaxis: A Viking's New Longship?

Now these 'robotaxis' sound intriguing. Google a powerful tribe in the land of technology has them running in places called San Francisco Phoenix and Los Angeles. And the Chinese always eager to build bigger and better have their own fleets as well. Imagine a longship that doesn't need oarsmen! Just set your destination (Vinland perhaps?) and let the machine do the rest. Though I suspect there will be less pillaging involved. Probably for the best I suppose. As Floki would say: 'Mankind is not of one mind as to what is good'.

Europe: Still Waiting for the Gods (of Regulation)

Europe that land of endless politics and squabbling kingdoms is lagging behind. Apparently they can't agree on the rules for these self driving contraptions. So while the Americans and Chinese are zipping around in their metal beasts the Europeans are still arguing about which way the wind blows. Typical. But fear not! The English those cunning islanders have passed a law that will allow these vehicles on their roads by 2026. Perhaps they'll use them to finally conquer France! Or more likely just drive to the pub.

Uber and Wayve: A Dubious Alliance?

Uber a strange company that transports people for a fee (a bit like my voyages but with less bloodshed) is partnering with a British firm called Wayve. Together they plan to launch trials of these driverless rides in the UK. Imagine paying someone to not drive you! It seems the world truly is getting stranger by the day. I wonder if they accept payment in silver...

My Verdict: Intriguing But Where's the Adventure?

Look I'm not going to lie this technology is impressive. But where's the heart? Where's the thrill of battle? Where's the satisfaction of steering your own destiny? Perhaps these driverless cars will be useful for those who lack the stomach for a real journey. But for me I'll stick to my longship and my trusty axe. As I always say: 'Power is only given to those who are prepared to lower themselves to pick it up.' And I suspect driving a car yourself is more empowering than letting a machine do it for you.

The Future is Now...ish

So there you have it. The future is coming whether we like it or not. Driverless cars robotaxis and all sorts of strange contraptions. I just hope that in all this technological marvel we don't forget the value of a good adventure a strong arm and the thrill of the open road (or sea!). As my good friend Athelstan always said: 'Faith is unseen but ever present' perhaps we should have faith in these automatons too if we must. Though I'll be keeping my eye on them... just in case they decide to raid my mead supply.