- Nighttime taxi terror: Self-driving cars buzzing each other
The distrust in autonomous cars is significant. Sometimes, the vehicles also prove that the technology is not yet perfect. However, some things are not expected. Who would have thought, for example, that the cars - again, without a driver! - would honk at each other on a parking lot?
For YouTube, Sophia Tung, a resident who lives directly above a collection point of the Waymo taxis, has filmed exactly that: As if countless parked grumblers were desperately searching for a parking spot, the cars honk at each other while looking for their parking spot. What is not seen in the video, but can be inferred from the title: This apparently also happens at four o'clock in the morning.
Autonomous cars with loud horn
Only now does the company behind the cars come up with the idea that this might be disturbing in the heart of a metropolis. As "The Verge" reports, a spokesperson wrote in response to an inquiry: "We are aware that our vehicles can briefly honk in some cases while driving to our parking spots." It is further stated that the problem has been recognized and will be addressed.
Tung takes this mainly with humor, despite the apparent ongoing terror since late July. She writes to the specialist magazine: "Honestly, it's fun to watch the cars coming and going. Only the honking needs to be fixed urgently."
Robo-taxis in live stream
Waymo did not explain why the cars are honking at each other. It is conceivable that the taxis are doing this to draw attention to themselves during longer waiting times, as a human driver could also hinder the continuation of the journey. However, this scenario - and at this time - makes surprisingly little sense.
Those who want to watch the robo-ballet (and the nocturnal terror) can now do so. Sophia Tung has set up a webcam at her window that films the activity on the open space around the clock. The live stream on YouTube is accompanied by relaxing music.
Whether an autonomous vehicle communication using the horn would be allowed in Germany is an interesting question. After all, as the ADAC writes, honking is only allowed in Germany as a warning signal within built-up areas. A unnecessarily long wait for a parking spot, however, is not a dangerous situation, but merely annoying.
The live stream on YouTube, featuring the activities of the Waymo taxis, is a popular attraction, with viewers enjoying the robo-ballet, despite the occasional nocturnal honking. Interestingly, The San Francisco authorities might have some thoughts on the legality of autonomous vehicles using the horn as a communication tool.
