[dreamcompiler]

> Google does not have a monopoly on using LIDAR sensors to train self-driving cars.

True. But they do have a LIDAR that's an order of magnitude cheaper than the competition -- which makes LIDAR practical as a use-phase sensor (not just a training sensor), as well as a patent on "zoomable" LIDAR with Levandowski listed as one of the inventors.

[ExactoKnight]

Interesting, but I thought the best LIDAR sensors were being built primarily by 3rd party vendors? These vendors are working very hard to make a powerful under thousand dollar LIDAR sensor possible, so I wouldn't say that LIDAR sensor pricing is Uber's achilles heel.