No Steering Wheel or Pedals? Here's What Future Robotaxis Could Look Like
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
Federal regulators are paving the way for future robotaxis to operate without manual controls, such as steering wheels or, eventually, brake pedals, as regulations begin to catch up with advancements in this technology. Amazon's fully autonomous vehicles from Zoox received approval on Thursday to start charging customers for rides in their uniquely designed square cars, which have four inward-facing seats, once they obtain state and local approval. Zoox has already been offering free rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco since last year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also proposed a rule last month to allow robotaxis to operate without brake pedals, but that proposal is still pending. Administrator Jonathan Morrison stated that his agency aims to clear the way for the safe development of autonomous vehicles. 'By removing unnecessary barriers to innovation, developing guidance for the industry, and providing robust compliance oversight while creating performance requirements, the NHTSA is taking a balanced approach to the regulation of autonomous vehicles,' Morrison announced in a statement. 'These advancements will ensure that the United States continues to lead the world in autonomous vehicle technology safely and responsibly.'
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
