The future might be nearer than we think, not just in time but geographically too. Self-driving cars are already undergoing testing on Singapore’s roads, but the public will be able to pay for rides in autonomous cars as soon as the second quarter of 2018, Reuters reports.
The people behind this “robo taxi” is US self-driving car startup NuTonomy, which currently has a test service in Singapore with ride services partner Grab, although it’s not yet clear if the South-East Asian rival to Uber will be NuTonomy’s partner when paid rides kick off.
Software company NuTonomy, which works with several car companies including PSA Peugeot Citroen and Renault, had previously said it planned to launch commercial service next year, without specifically mentioning timing.
Last week, NuTonomy CEO Karl Iagnemma said in an interview that he hoped paid self-driving rides would start in Q2, although it could be the third or fourth quarter. NuTonomy also plans to launch a test service with US ride service firm Lyft in Boston later this year.
Ride sharing firms are expected to be one of the most important markets for self-driving cars, especially in early years of adoption, when the cost of the technology will likely rule out mass adoption, Reuters points out. Tech giants including Alphabet Inc’s Waymo (Google) and Uber are testing self-driving cars at various locations around the world.
In the tests, and the upcoming paid service in Singapore, there will still be a human driver ready to take over the wheel, if needed. It won’t be so easy in Malaysia though, with the high number of motorcycles on the road trying to “cilok” and our unpredictable and uncompromising drivers. What are your thoughts on this?
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It’ll only work if there are designated lanes for self driving vehicles in countries adopting this technology.
amazing, both countries started same time. But Singapore so advanced cause they work hard.
Malaysia still lepak and tido…..
and also because their land mass is tiny, much easier to manage.
That will actually beat the whole purpose.
Everything also kiasu here
From MIROS data, 500,000 accidents already last year leading to 7000 deaths.
more than 60% caused by motorcycle. And many more go unreported.
Even without statistic, if you look around, these are the people who drive against traffic flow, run the red light, climb road divider, not wearing helmet, riding with no license and god knows what else.
Too many until people don’t viral on facebook anymore since it is already a norm. We, law abiding drivers are just helpless. Police cannot do anything because there are too many of them on the road, like fruit flies.
Not to mention snatch theft only happen on motorbike.
So, how is new technology like autonomous driving going to thrive on Malaysian roads?
I would give my vote in the next general election to any party which has the POLITICAL WILLPOWER TO DO THE RIGHT THING. Is there any?
Yes there is. Shifting all them road users to public transports, starting with KVMRT & LRT extensions & more buses. Oh wait, only 1 side is advocating that…
how to bring on LRT and MRT when each family got 6 kids? So with Abah and Ibu, its 8 people. Sure clog up LRT and MRT
“high number of motorcycles on the road trying to “cilok” and our unpredictable and uncompromising drivers.” we should do motocycle self driving same as car hahaha.
Motors alredi self driving here. Havent u seen riders with 1 hand on ipong Whatsapping and another hand holding cig?
Next, Southoverlordland polis will efficiently saman the car every 1km cuz driver no hands on steering wheel.
If self driving car involved in accident……who to blame?
Circuit board ka?
malaysia busy with religion and bribe issue. No time for development like singapore..Till government and malaySIan not change mentality till then drive proton forever .. FlyKite….. Lets dream. Jom BRIM
My only advice, Better be safe than sorry!!