Reporter’s driverless van ride: Cool tech, freaky turns


Waymo, a unit of Google parent Alphabet Inc, is one of several companies testing driverless vehicles in the US. But it's the first offering lifts to the public with no humans at the wheel who can take over in sticky situations. — AP

CHANDLER, Arizona: The annoyed shopper paced around and knocked on the windows of a minivan blocking him from leaving his Costco parking spot. He didn’t seem to notice, or care, that there was no one inside.

A colleague and I had called for the Waymo ride – our first in a fully driverless vehicle – and quickly encountered a hiccup: figuring out how to tell it to meet us at the curb.

Get 30% off with our ads free Premium Plan!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Tech News

US crypto industry eyes possible day-one Trump executive orders
Britannica didn’t just survive. It’s an AI company now
'Who's next?': Misinformation and online threats after US CEO slaying
What is (or was) 'perks culture’?
South Korean team develops ‘Iron Man’ robot that helps paraplegics walk
TikTok's rise from fun app to US security concern
Musk, president? Trump says 'not happening'
Jeff Bezos says most people should take more risks. Here’s the science that proves he’s right
Bluesky finds with growth comes growing pains – and bots
How tech created a ‘recipe for loneliness’

Others Also Read