[samstave]

Sorry for being naive on this, but I have some questions:

Looking at this, it appears that they have mounted this device on a car and just had it taking in all sorts of data to effectively feed dataset into a map that can be used by self driving cars, correct?

If I were doing a project like this - I would attempt to work with waste disposal companies to put these sensors on every garbage company. Garbage companies will literally map out every potential road which can be driven on - as they will make rounds to nearly every structure to retrieve their waste - and will even drive down alleys, apartment/condo complexes/gated communities etc...

Has anyone attempted to work with waste companies? (I have some contacts who work with the bay area waste management company if anyone needs to find out how to talk to them)

[beamatronic]

I think you’re right. Garbage collection companies, seen as a mobile sensor platform, probably can generate data (maps, wardriving, street view, AVL) worth more than their actual core business.

[doctorpangloss]

I think what’s more telling is the opposite implication. That despite ample sources of data, it’s not actually that valuable.

Did you ever consider that the reason that self driving cars are overhyped is because the underlying science is bad, not that there is insufficient data? Wouldn’t it be in Waymo’s interest for everyone to believe that it’s all about data, while they bide time trying to make something that works?

[pavs]

The problem itself is difficult and the cost of making mistake is high. Thats why the progress is relatively slow.

Also, at least to my opinion, its not very clear that the market is big enough. Its highly unlikely that one single company can monopolize the market as there are quite a few rich companies with deep pocket and extremely talented team are investing in the same space.

If more than a dozen companies comes out with very similar performing self-driving solution. The markey may not be big enough to recoup the investment into this technology.

For the longest time I thought waymo was way ahead of everyone else - but the nature of their slow and passive progress in to the market doesn't give me a lot of confidence in their abilities.

They have a hardtime in relatively peaceful streets of developed world, how will technilogy work on the streets of developing countries where most people live?

I think the problem is extremely hard. And it will take a lot longer than most people initially though it would.

[josephpmay]

I don’t know about garbage companies specifically, but all the major self-driving players have or are trying to get deals with various fleet operators to use their vehicles to gather data