Ready or not: Self-driving robo rides are rolling into reality (2024)

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Ready or not, self-driving robo rides are rolling into reality

Accessibili-D is a free autonomous shuttle program for Detroit residents 62 and over.

The Motor City is revving up its innovation engines once again.

This time, it's about cutting-edge autonomous vehicles (AVs) designed to serve those who need them most.

May Mobility, a leader in AV technology and deployment, has just launched its 14th deployment in the heart of Detroit. But what sets this program apart? Let's break it down.

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Ready or not: Self-driving robo rides are rolling into reality (2)

Autonomous vehicle. (May Mobility)

The Accessibili-D program

Launched on June 20 in partnership with the City of Detroit's Office of Mobility Innovation (OMI) and the Michigan Mobility Collaborative (MMC), the Accessibili-D service is a free autonomous shuttle program aimed at improving life for Detroiters aged 62 and older or those living with disabilities.

The program offers free rides for eligible residents using three autonomous vehicles, including two that are wheelchair-accessible. With 68 stops across 11 square miles of downtown Detroit, the service operates six days a week and connects people to health care, shopping, employment and recreational activities.

Ready or not: Self-driving robo rides are rolling into reality (3)

Map of autonomous ride service in Detroit. (May Mobility)

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The tech behind the wheels

May Mobility's AVs aren't your average self-driving cars. They're equipped with some seriously smart tech. At the heart of their operation is the Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) system. This advanced technology provides a 360-degree view using lidar, radar and cameras, simulating thousands of scenarios every second. This allows the vehicles to adapt to unexpected situations for safe and efficient navigation.

The company didn't just roll these vehicles onto Detroit streets without preparation. They underwent extensive testing, including the University of Michigan's Mcity Safety Assessment Program and the American Center for Mobility's comprehensive evaluation process. These tests included simulations of real urban scenarios to ensure the vehicles were ready for the complexities of city driving.

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Ready or not: Self-driving robo rides are rolling into reality (4)

Wheelchair-accessible autonomous vehicle. (May Mobility)

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Why Detroit? Why now?

Detroit has always been at the forefront of automotive innovation, and this program continues that legacy. But it's more than just showcasing new tech — it's about addressing real community needs. Edwin Olson, CEO and co-founder of May Mobility, explains:

"Many Detroiters have trouble getting around due to the costs of owning a car or mobility challenges arising from age or disabilities. We're excited to show how autonomous technology can help in Detroit, where we will be launching our largest service area to date."

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Ready or not: Self-driving robo rides are rolling into reality (5)

Autonomous vehicle. (May Mobility)

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A collaborative effort

The Accessibili-D program is the result of extensive collaboration. It began with a $2.4 million contract approved by the Detroit City Council. May Mobility partnered with Toyota to provide access to Toyota Sienna Autono-MaaS vehicles, and the service is powered by Via, the global leader in TransitTech. Extensive community outreach was conducted to educate future riders and identify key locations for stops.

Ready or not: Self-driving robo rides are rolling into reality (6)

Autonomous vehicle. (May Mobility)

Looking to the future

This pilot program, set to run through 2026, is just the beginning. Based on rider feedback, there are already plans to expand the service zone with additional stops and vehicles. Tim Slusser, chief of the Office of Mobility Innovation at the City of Detroit, had this to say:

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"We're thrilled to launch the 'Accessibili-D' autonomous shuttle service, a vital step toward enhancing mobility for our older residents and those with disabilities. This free, innovative service will provide safe and efficient transportation, greatly improving access to essential services for residents who have faced difficulty navigating their needs in the city."

Ready or not: Self-driving robo rides are rolling into reality (7)

Autonomous vehicle. (May Mobility)

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May Mobility: Beyond Detroit

While this Detroit deployment is making news, it's noteworthy that May Mobility is no newcomer to the AV scene. They've successfully deployed in 14 cities across the U.S. and Japan, including Ann Arbor, Michigan; Grand Rapids, Minnesota; Miami; Arlington, Texas; and Sun City, Arizona.

Their mission is to develop AV technology and deploy AVs to transit agencies, cities and businesses across the U.S., offering rides for free or at costs comparable to public transportation.

Ready or not: Self-driving robo rides are rolling into reality (8)

Autonomous vehicle. (May Mobility)

Kurt's key takeaways

The Accessibili-D program is a step towards a more inclusive and accessible city. By focusing on those who often face the greatest mobility challenges, May Mobility and the City of Detroit are demonstrating how innovation can be harnessed to address real societal needs. As we watch this program unfold, it will be fascinating to see its impact on the lives of Detroit residents and its potential as a model for other cities. Could this be the future of urban transit? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure — Detroit is once again at the forefront of automotive innovation, proving that the Motor City is still very much in the driver's seat when it comes to shaping the future of transportation.

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Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Ready or not: Self-driving robo rides are rolling into reality (2024)

FAQs

Do you think self-driving cars are a good idea why or why not? ›

Great for Traffic Management

By communicating with each other through enhanced A.I and traffic management systems, self-driving cars could significantly improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. This future intelligent A.I navigation system could optimize road capacity and travel times.

Do you think self-driving cars will become a reality in the near future? ›

Self-driving cars are one of the most exciting developments in automotive history. But the arrival of vehicles with no one behind the wheel is taking longer than most of us expected. According to recent predictions, the automotive industry will not develop a fully self-driving car until 2035.

Are self-driving cars robotic? ›

A self-driving car, also known as an autonomous car (AC), driverless car, robotaxi, robotic car or robo-car, is a car that is capable of operating with reduced or no human input.

What problem does self-driving solve? ›

Reduced Congestion

Fewer crashes or fender benders mean fewer roadway backups. AVs are programmed to maintain a safe and consistent distance between vehicles, which can help to reduce the number of stop-and-go waves that produce road congestion for no apparent reason.

Why shouldn't driverless cars be allowed? ›

Con: Higher Impact Crashes

Extreme speed brings extreme risk. Imagine that a self-driving car traveling at 100 mph crashes into another vehicle. This high-impact crash brings a high risk of death and severe injury. One study found that for every 5 mph increase in speed, there were 8% more road fatalities.

How will self-driving cars change our future? ›

Although much uncertainty remains, autonomous vehicles have the potential to radically change how people move around, the shape of our cities, the amount of carbon pollution in the air, and the nature of work, among other things.

Will self-driving cars be safer in the future? ›

Many experts say that self-driving cars can be trained to be safer than human drivers. With the sensors and cameras monitoring and guiding, these cars can not only sense their environment but also can anticipate what's coming up ahead, which humans are not capable of.

Are self-driving cars good or bad for the environment? ›

The computers needed to run self-driving cars could pose a serious threat to the environment. They could ultimately produce more greenhouse gas emissions per year than Argentina currently does, new research suggests. Fossil fuel-guzzling cars spew out billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Will self-driving cars replace humans? ›

Will autonomous cars fully replace human drivers in 5 years time? No - for many reasons: Because the average lifespan of car is 15 to 20 years - even if every single car on sale today was fully self driving - we'd still have manually driven cars on the roads for at least 20 years yet.

Is a Tesla a self-driving car? ›

Autopilot comes standard on every new Tesla. For owners who took delivery of their vehicle without Autopilot, there are multiple packages available for purchase, depending on when your vehicle was built: Autopilot and Full Self-Driving capability.

Are self-driving cars safer than humans? ›

While generally safer, so-called self-driving cars are five times more likely to crash in low light conditions and twice as likely to crash while turning compared with human drivers.

Can self-driving cars be 100% safe? ›

A study published on Tuesday in Nature Communications shows that autonomous vehicles are safer and less likely to be involved in accidents than human-driven cars, except in two circumstances: when turning and in low-visibility conditions.

Do we really need self-driving cars? ›

Enhanced Road Safety

One of the most significant advantages of self-driving cars is the potential to drastically reduce road accidents and fatalities. Human error is a leading cause of traffic accidents, often stemming from distractions, fatigue, or impaired driving.

How much does a driverless car cost? ›

Autonomous vehicle technology for self-driving cars can cost up to $100,000 per vehicle, but is expected to drop to around $3,000 by 2035.

Are self-driving cars safe or not? ›

One of the largest accident studies yet suggests self-driving cars may be safer than human drivers in routine circumstances – but it also shows the technology struggles more than humans during low-light conditions and when performing turns.

What are the main benefits of self-driving cars? ›

The advantages of autonomous driving are obvious: Increased road safety, reduced driver workload, lower fuel consumption and fewer traffic jams are just a few.

Why are self-driving cars bad essay? ›

Self-driving cars are harmful to society because they will decrease safety and cause confusion. There are many disadvantages that these autonomous vehicles hold, including the price. Most importantly, there could be unavoidable accidents caused by the lack of a brain in these driverless cars.

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