In a fascinating display of modern technology, software engineer Sophia Tung has been livestreaming a San Francisco parking lot that Waymo is renting to give its robotaxis a place to rest during their downtime. This unique peek behind the scenes offers viewers a glimpse into the world of self-driving cars when the rest of the world is asleep.
Sophia Tung set up the livestream at the beginning of the month, complete with LoFi study beats to accompany the footage. Running off a mini PC with a webcam surrounded by a cereal box to reduce glare, Tung’s setup is a testament to creativity and resourcefulness. This allows viewers to check in on the Waymo cars at any time of the day, offering a real-time look at the activities of these autonomous vehicles.
According to text overlaid on the video feed, the Waymo cars tend to migrate back between specific hours, depending on the day of the week. The parking lot may start out calm with just a few cars parked, but as the night progresses, a ballet of autonomous parking and honking ensues. The noise can last for up to an hour before settling down, providing insight into the challenges faced by self-driving vehicles.
In response to the occasional honking in the parking lot, Waymo representative Chris Bonelli explained that the company is aware of the issue and is actively working on a solution. The honking, which occurs as the vehicles navigate the parking lot, highlights the ongoing development and fine-tuning required for autonomous driving technology.
The livestream of Waymo’s robotaxi parking lot offers a unique and intriguing look into the world of self-driving cars. From the calm moments with just a few cars parked to the chaotic ballet of autonomous parking, viewers are able to witness the behind-the-scenes activity of these cutting-edge vehicles. As technology continues to advance, opportunities like this livestream provide valuable insights into the future of transportation.
Leave a Reply