Uber has said it is "ready to go" now with driverless taxis in the UK - but the government has put back the date it expects to approve fully self-driving vehicles. Theprevious administrationsaid fully autonomous cars were "set to be on roads by 2026", but the new government says it is now more likely to happen in the second half of 2027. While limitedself-driving technology is already permitted on UK roads, a human driver must be at the wheel and responsible for the vehicle, even if automated technology is being used. Withsome companies trialling more advanced tech on British streets, I took an automated car ride across central London in a car using a system developed by UK AI firm Wayve. "We're ready to launch robotaxis in the UK as soon as the regulatory environment is ready for us," said Andrew Macdonald, senior vice president of mobility at Uber, who joined me for the ride. The ride-hailing firm is working with 18 automated car tech companies including Wayve. It is one of several companies which already offers robotaxis in the US. They are also on the roads in China, the UAE and Singapore. But Mr Macdonald disagreed that the UK was behind the rest of the world, arguing that the US and China were ahead largely because that is where the majority of the tech had been developed. "We are working quickly and will implement self-driving vehicle legislation in the second half of 2027", the Department for Transport said in a statement. "We are also exploring options for short-term trials and pilots to create the right conditions for a thriving self-driving sector," it added. In the US, Mr Macdonald said robotaxis typically operate for 20 hours per day, seven days per week. Even though there is no driver to pay, Uber says the fare is currently the same as a ride with a human behind the wheel. The option to take one appears on the app if one is available, and customers can opt in or out. That's partly because, aside from the regulatory environment, another potential barrier to their uptake is the public's reticence about travelling in a self-driving vehicle. A poll by YouGov in 2024suggested that 37% of Brits would feel "very unsafe" travelling in a car without a driver. But Mr Macdonald insisted new customers' initial nervousness was short-lived and the experience soon "becomes the new normal". That was certainly my experience during our ride. I was in a Ford Mach-e, fitted with Wayve's autonomous driving sensors and software. It uses a radar and seven cameras. In the boot there's is a computer which is running the AI-driven software that processes all that sensor data in real time and controls the car's responses. The automated tech handled every scenario without a hitch, including pedestrians in the road, parked cars, heavy traffic, temporary traffic lights and delivery bikes. George, our safety driver, did not touch the controls once and a big red button, which shuts off the automated system immediately, was not deployed. If anything the robo-ride was a far more patient city driver than I am – and has no voice, making it a lot less chatty. Whether autonomous vehicles are more or less safe than human-driven ones is still being investigated. But numerous studies suggest that automated vehicles are less accident-prone than human drivers, based on US data. But there have been a number of incidents involving robotaxis in the countries where they operate, ranging from road accidents to passengers being locked in. In January, a man in Arizona, in the US, documented how hisrobotaxi drove round in circlesin an airport carpark, with him trapped in the vehicle, unable to stop the car or get help. General Motors paused its driverless taxi service Cruise in San Francisco in 2023 because of safety concerns. "The reality is that one accident is too many," said Uber'sMr Macdonald. "That said, with EV (electric vehicles), human drivers… we operate in the real world and stuff happens." In the UK there are also practical questions around insurance, ownership and liability when a self-driving vehicle is involved in an accident. Mr Macdonald said they were all still being worked out. Tom Leggett, vehicle technology manager at Thatcham Research - an independent car safety centre - said robotaxis would have to be "safety-led" in the UK. "Secondly, they will have to make sure the data is available to those who need it – insurers and those investigating incidents when they occur." The government says self-driving vehicles have the potential "to build an industry worth £42bn and provide 38,000 jobs by 2035." But of course they are source of concern for people who earn a living driving. Andy Prendergast, GMB national secretary, said the "significant social implications" driverless cars and taxis could have - such as potential less work or unemployment - for workers and the public must be fully considered. Uber's Mr Macdonald meanwhile believes automated vehicles will transform the way many people travel in the near future. "I've got young kids," he said. "Do I think my daughters will necessarily get their drivers licences when they turn 16?" [the legal age in his home country, Canada]. "No – I think the world is changing a lot." Additional reporting by Liv McMahon Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletterto follow the world's top tech stories and trends.Outside the UK? Sign up here.
UK driverless cars unlikely until 2027 - but Uber says it's ready now
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"UK Delays Approval of Driverless Cars to 2027 as Uber Claims Readiness"
Bbc News
8.0
TruthLens AI Summary
Uber has announced that it is ready to launch driverless taxis in the UK, despite the government pushing back the timeline for the approval of fully autonomous vehicles to the latter half of 2027. Previously, the UK government had anticipated that fully self-driving cars would be operational by 2026. While limited self-driving technology is currently allowed on UK roads, human drivers must remain in control of the vehicle. Uber is collaborating with 18 automated vehicle technology companies, including Wayve, which has developed the system used in a recent automated car ride across central London. Andrew Macdonald, Uber's senior vice president of mobility, expressed confidence in the company’s readiness to implement robotaxis as soon as the regulatory framework permits. He emphasized that although the UK may appear to be lagging behind in autonomous vehicle technology, the advancements in the US and China are largely due to the concentration of tech development in those regions.
Despite the challenges, Uber is optimistic about the future of driverless vehicles, which could transform urban transportation. The Department for Transport is exploring options for short-term trials while working to ensure a supportive environment for the self-driving sector. However, public apprehension remains a significant hurdle, as a recent YouGov poll revealed that 37% of Britons feel unsafe traveling in driverless cars. While some studies suggest that autonomous vehicles may be safer than human drivers, incidents involving robotaxis have raised concerns about their reliability. The government recognizes the potential economic benefits of self-driving technology, projecting it could create an industry worth £42 billion and generate 38,000 jobs by 2035. Nevertheless, the implications for employment in the driving sector are a significant concern, prompting calls for careful consideration of the social impact of transitioning to autonomous transport solutions.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the contrasting views on the deployment of driverless cars in the UK, with Uber claiming readiness for operation while the government adjusts its timeline for regulatory approval. This tension reflects broader issues surrounding technology, regulation, and public safety.
Government's Regulatory Stance
The UK government's delay in approving fully autonomous vehicles until 2027 suggests a cautious approach to emerging technologies. This may indicate an effort to ensure that safety protocols and infrastructure are adequately prepared before such significant changes are made to public road usage. The mention of limited self-driving technology currently allowed on UK roads indicates a gradual acceptance rather than an outright embrace of the technology.
Uber's Position and Global Comparison
Uber's assertion that it is "ready to go" with driverless taxis indicates a strong confidence in their technology and operational capabilities. By comparing the UK situation with advancements in the US and China, Uber aims to position itself as a leader in innovation while suggesting that the UK is lagging behind due to regulatory constraints rather than technological capability. This narrative could be perceived as a strategy to pressure the government into expediting legislation that would favor their business model.
Potential Barriers and Public Perception
While the article mentions that Uber's robotaxis operate similarly to traditional cars in terms of pricing, it raises questions about public acceptance and readiness for fully autonomous vehicles. The focus on regulatory hurdles may inadvertently create a perception of risk among consumers, as the technology is still in its infancy. Public sentiment could be swayed towards cautious optimism or skepticism based on how the government and companies like Uber communicate the benefits and safety of these technologies.
Impact on Various Sectors
This news could have implications for the transportation sector, influencing investment and development in automated vehicle technology. Companies involved in this industry may experience fluctuations in stock prices based on public and regulatory responses to the advancements and timelines discussed. Moreover, the broader economic landscape could shift if driverless technology is successfully integrated, potentially reducing labor costs but raising concerns about job displacement in the driving sector.
Community Support and Target Audience
The article primarily appeals to technology enthusiasts, investors in the automotive sector, and policymakers focused on innovation and public safety. It may resonate more with urban populations who are likely to benefit from improved mobility solutions, as opposed to rural communities where the impact of driverless cars may be less pronounced.
Global Power Dynamics
In terms of global technology leadership, the article touches on significant themes regarding the race for innovation between countries. The ongoing development of driverless cars is a crucial aspect of national competitiveness, particularly for economies like the UK, US, and China. This competitive landscape is relevant to current discussions on technological advancement and regulatory frameworks.
Potential Use of AI in the Article
The structure and clarity of the article may suggest the use of artificial intelligence in drafting or editing, particularly in organizing information and presenting contrasting viewpoints. AI models could have been employed to analyze trends in public sentiment or to optimize the narrative flow, providing a more engaging read.
In conclusion, the article reflects a complex interplay between technology readiness, regulatory frameworks, and public perception. While Uber positions itself as a frontrunner in the driverless car market, the government's cautious approach highlights the need for thorough consideration of safety and infrastructure. Overall, the reliability of the information appears sound, but the framing of the debate may carry undertones of manipulation, particularly in how it presents the urgency and readiness of autonomous vehicle technology.