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Which cities are testing self-driving cars now?
Recently, Waymo received approval to test autonomous vehicles in New York City, marking a significant step in urban testing. Other cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, and parts of the Bay Area continue to host active robotaxi services. Globally, China’s Pony AI is expanding its fleet, and international markets are seeing rapid growth in autonomous vehicle deployment.
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How do regulations differ across regions?
Regulations for testing autonomous vehicles vary widely. In the US, cities like NYC require safety operators and restrict passenger pickups during testing. In China, regulations are more permissive, allowing faster expansion of robotaxi fleets. European countries tend to have stricter safety standards, focusing heavily on safety and public acceptance before approving large-scale testing.
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What are the safety concerns with autonomous vehicles?
Safety remains a key concern, especially in complex urban environments. Incidents involving self-driving cars have raised questions about their ability to handle unpredictable situations. Experts emphasize the importance of safety operators, rigorous testing, and regulatory oversight to ensure autonomous vehicles are safe for public use.
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When will driverless cars be mainstream?
While testing is progressing, fully driverless cars are not yet mainstream. Experts estimate it may take several more years before autonomous vehicles are widely available without safety operators. Factors like regulatory approval, technological improvements, and public trust will influence the timeline.
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What is Waymo doing in New York City?
Waymo has begun testing up to eight autonomous vehicles in NYC, with safety operators on board and no passenger pickups allowed yet. This pilot aims to navigate NYC’s complex traffic and urban environment, marking a major milestone for Waymo as it prepares for broader deployment in challenging cities.
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How does the global race in autonomous vehicles look?
Countries like China are rapidly expanding their robotaxi fleets, with companies like Pony AI leading the way. Meanwhile, the US and Europe are focusing on safety and regulation, with companies like Waymo and Tesla pushing forward. The competition is fierce, with international markets vying to lead in autonomous vehicle technology.