Cities want to put the boot on robotaxis
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This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on autonomous vehicles, policy, and road rules, follow Andrew J. Hawkins. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers' inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. How it started The first state
The one-panel cartoon
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A city traffic control room filled with monitors displaying live feeds of streets, with a large central table cluttered with model cars, road signs, and a peculiar new addition: a row of miniature robotaxi models held down by rubber bands and small metal boots.
Caption: When robotaxis refuse to be stepped on
Read the full 3-panel strip
Based on the original story on theverge.com.
Editor's note
As cities grapple with the influx of robotaxis, it's clear that openness and transparency are key to ensuring these autonomous vehicles integrate safely and smoothly into our communities. It's frustrating to see policymakers put the brakes on innovation without thorough public discussion and accessible technology.
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Panel 1
(a) What the subject of this story actually is and does: Autonomous vehicles (robotaxis) are vehicles that operate without human drivers, typically navigating city streets using advanced AI and sensor technology. (b) The ONE real irony or absurdity in the news: Cities are imposing regulations and restrictions on robotaxis, which seem to be at odds with the futuristic, free-flowing vision of autonomous vehicles. (c) The single funniest observation that becomes the highlight: Cities trying to regulate robotaxis with old-fashioned rules and regulations, as if these futuristic machines were just horses with wheels. ---
Panel 2
*Setting: A city council meeting room, with rows of wooden chairs and a long table at the front. A projector screen displays a diagram of a city street with autonomous vehicles. A stern-looking city council member is speaking.*
City Council Member: We need to regulate these robotaxis before they take over our streets!
Another Council Member: What’s the first rule?
City Council Member: No speeding.
Another Council Member: And no jumping red lights.
Panel 3
*Setting: The same city council meeting room. The council members are now gathered around a large wooden table covered in maps and documents. A tech consultant with a tablet is explaining something to them.*
Tech Consultant: These autonomous vehicles use advanced sensors and AI to navigate the city.
City Council Member: So, why do we need to regulate them?
Tech Consultant: To ensure safety and compliance, of course.
City Council Member: Like how we regulate horse-drawn carriages?
Panel 4
*Setting: The same city council meeting room. The council members are looking bewildered, and the tech consultant is facepalming. A projection screen shows a robotaxi with horse hooves instead of wheels.* Tech Consultant (sighing)
Tech Consultant: Well, actually, no. They’re very different.
City Council Member: But they’re both vehicles, right?
Tech Consultant: Yes, but one has AI and the other has a horse.
Council Member: Right, that’s fine. We’ll just put horseshoes on the robotaxis then.
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