Cruise, the troubled self-driving car company, is facing another setback as it reveals that its autonomous vehicles are not entirely self-driving. Recent reports indicate that human operators intervene in the vehicles’ operations 2-4% of the time, particularly in complex urban environments.
According to an article in the New York Times, Cruise’s vehicles are supported by a large operations staff that frequently has to remotely assist the cars when they encounter difficulties. This assistance is triggered by cellular signals indicating problems with the vehicle. The CEO of Cruise, Kyle Vogt, confirmed these details in a comment on Hacker News, stating that remote assistance occurs in complex urban environments and that it is useful to have humans review certain situations.
Although 2-4% may seem like a small percentage, it actually translates to remote assistance sessions happening approximately every four to five miles traveled by Cruise’s vehicles. The remote advisors provide wayfinding intel to the cars rather than directly controlling them. For every 15-20 driverless vehicles, there is typically one remote assistant who undergoes comprehensive training, including background and driving record checks.
The revelation of Cruise’s remote operations center raises several questions. Details about how the staffers intervene in the car’s trips, the extent of control the remote assistants have over the vehicles, and the digital security measures implemented by Cruise remain unclear. The size of the remote access team also warrants further investigation.
These findings suggest that true autonomous driving still requires human supervision. Behind the scenes, human workforces play an indispensable role in ensuring the functionality of AI-driven systems. While specific details about Cruise’s operations center are lacking, it serves as a reminder that autonomous machines still rely on human input.
For additional information, Gizmodo reached out to Cruise, and further updates may follow. As the industry continues to develop autonomous technology, it is crucial to understand the limitations and the role humans play in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News
What is the latest setback faced by Cruise?
Cruise, the self-driving car company, has revealed that its autonomous vehicles are not entirely self-driving and require remote assistance from human operators in complex urban environments.
How often do human operators intervene in the vehicles' operations?
Human operators intervene in Cruise's vehicles' operations approximately 2-4% of the time, which translates to remote assistance sessions happening every four to five miles traveled.
How does Cruise's remote assistance work?
Cruise's vehicles are supported by a large operations staff that remotely assists the cars when they encounter difficulties. Triggered by cellular signals indicating vehicle problems, remote operators provide wayfinding intel to the cars rather than directly controlling them.
Who confirmed the involvement of remote assistance in Cruise's operations?
The CEO of Cruise, Kyle Vogt, confirmed the details of the remote assistance in a comment on Hacker News, stating that humans review certain situations in complex urban environments.
What training do remote assistants undergo?
Remote assistants at Cruise undergo comprehensive training, including background and driving record checks, to provide remote assistance to 15-20 driverless vehicles.
What questions arise from the revelation of Cruise's remote operations center?
Questions arise regarding the details of how the remote operators intervene in the car's trips, the extent of control they have over the vehicles, the digital security measures implemented by Cruise, and the size of the remote access team.
What does the revelation of Cruise's remote operations center suggest about true autonomous driving?
The revelation suggests that true autonomous driving still requires human supervision, as human operators play an indispensable role in ensuring the functionality of AI-driven systems.
Are there further updates expected regarding Cruise's remote operations center?
Gizmodo has reached out to Cruise for additional information, and further updates may follow as the industry continues to develop autonomous technology.
What is the importance of understanding the limitations and the role humans play in autonomous technology?
Understanding the limitations and the role humans play in autonomous technology is crucial as the industry continues to develop. It provides insights into the current state of autonomous driving and helps manage expectations regarding the capabilities of AI-driven systems.
Please note that the FAQs provided on this page are based on the news article published. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult relevant authorities or professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on the FAQs or the news article.
