{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Smart Driving Cars episode 402 with guest Alex Roy","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/smart-driving-cars-episode-402-with-guest-alex-roy","audioUrl":"https://anchor.fm/s/9105ed8/podcast/play/111143445/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2025-10-13%2F412429072-44100-2-ba3ac462a5634.mp3","description":"0:00 Open and welcome to Alex Roy2:40 Alex Roy presentation on the Past, Present & Futureof Self Driving4:54 Alex presents The True History of Self Driving from DaVinci to today10:47 Could in vehicle humanoid robots be helpful19:50 from DARPA on31:30 In 2025 Waymo scales operations and Tesla robotaxislaunch34:00 Roy’s Razor -the test of what really is self-driving40:30 SAE Levels should be done away with44:55  A focus onaffordability?48:20 Tesla owners could be paid for use of vehicle computepower for AI50:25  Elon Musk issaying drivers using FSD may soon be able to text and drive54:55 Congratulations on ITN America’s 30 years of providingrides\n"},"annotations":[{"startTime":214.8,"endTime":219.5,"type":"brand","title":"Tesla","url":"/glossary/tesla","quote":"And in self-driving, it's Tesla. It doesn't matter what you believe about Tesla. Or you think about Tesla, they own the language and narrative.","canonicalId":"brand:tesla","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Tesla is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its innovative approach to self-driving technology and electric cars. They have become a dominant player in the automotive industry, particularly in the electric vehicle market.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tesla is a company that makes electric cars. They are well-known for their advanced technology, especially in self-driving features."}},{"startTime":329.8,"endTime":334.3,"type":"brand","title":"General Motors","url":"/glossary/general-motors","quote":"...the Futurama exhibit put on by General Motors, which showed the only cool cars driving through city streets...","canonicalId":"brand:general-motors","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"General Motors is one of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world, known for producing a wide range of vehicles under various brands, including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick. The company has a significant history in automotive innovation and design.","simplifiedExplanation":"General Motors is a big car company that makes many different types of vehicles. They are known for brands like Chevrolet and Cadillac."}},{"startTime":344.7,"endTime":351.9,"type":"concept","title":"self-driving","url":"/glossary/self-driving","quote":"...the first real milestone in self-driving was the Knight Rider TV show in 82, because this was the biggest, best and most popular depiction of an autonomous vehicle...","canonicalId":"concept:self-driving","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Self-driving refers to vehicles that can operate without human input, utilizing various technologies such as sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence. This concept has gained significant attention in recent years as advancements in technology have made autonomous driving more feasible.","simplifiedExplanation":"Self-driving cars are vehicles that can drive themselves without needing a person to control them. They use special technology to see their surroundings and make decisions while driving."}},{"startTime":377.8,"endTime":383.3,"type":"concept","title":"driver assistance","url":"/glossary/driver-assistance","quote":"you had full driver assistance that would prevent you from crashing, even if you wanted to, you had, you know, connectivity.","canonicalId":"concept:driver-assistance","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Driver assistance refers to technologies designed to enhance vehicle safety and facilitate driving. These systems can include features like automatic braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control, which help prevent accidents and improve the overall driving experience.","simplifiedExplanation":"Driver assistance technologies help drivers by making it easier and safer to drive. They can automatically brake the car if it senses an obstacle or help keep the car in its lane."}},{"startTime":422.4,"endTime":430.3,"type":"brand","title":"Mercedes","url":"/glossary/mercedes","quote":"This is Ernst Dickmans. He, back in 86, I was working with Mercedes and built several autonomous vehicles that drove on the Autobahn and through cities.","canonicalId":"brand:mercedes","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Mercedes, officially known as Mercedes-Benz, is a German automotive brand known for luxury vehicles, buses, and trucks. The brand is recognized for its innovation in automotive technology, including safety features and performance enhancements.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mercedes is a well-known car brand that makes luxury cars. They are famous for their high-quality vehicles and advanced technology."}},{"startTime":430.3,"endTime":434.9,"type":"concept","title":"autonomous vehicles","url":"/glossary/autonomous-vehicles","quote":"built several autonomous vehicles that drove on the Autobahn and through cities. Alan, do you know Dickmans?","canonicalId":"concept:autonomous-vehicles","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Autonomous vehicles are cars or trucks that are capable of traveling without human input. They use a combination of sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to navigate and drive safely in various environments, including highways and urban areas.","simplifiedExplanation":"Autonomous vehicles are cars that can drive themselves without needing a person to control them. They use technology to see the road and make decisions."}},{"startTime":1166.6,"endTime":1171.3,"type":"concept","title":"semi-autonomous","url":"/glossary/semi-autonomous","quote":"It's still got a guidance seat. So it's semi-autonomous. But this is a real thing. I mean, this is the, this is a huge milestone.","canonicalId":"concept:semi-autonomous","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Semi-autonomous vehicles are those that can assist the driver with certain tasks but still require human intervention. They are not fully autonomous, meaning the driver must remain engaged and ready to take control if necessary.","simplifiedExplanation":"Semi-autonomous cars can help you drive but still need you to pay attention and be ready to take over if something goes wrong. They aren't completely self-driving yet."}},{"startTime":1183.1,"endTime":1196.1,"type":"concept","title":"DARPA Grand Challenges","url":"/glossary/darpa-grand-challenges","quote":"So in 2004, you had DARPA began the Grand Challenges. So there was an off-road one in 04. There were several more in 07, 08, where they went across the desert and then through the DARPA Urban Challenge.","canonicalId":"concept:darpa-grand-challenges","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The DARPA Grand Challenges were a series of competitions sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to promote the development of autonomous vehicle technology. These challenges encouraged innovation and research in self-driving cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"The DARPA Grand Challenges were competitions to see who could create the best self-driving cars. They helped push the technology forward by getting universities and companies involved."}},{"startTime":1209.0,"endTime":1212.7,"type":"company","title":"Google","url":"/glossary/google","quote":"So 2009, Google launched the self-driving car project having fired many, a majority, many, if not most of the people from a lot of the top teams.","canonicalId":"company:google","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Google is a technology company known for its search engine and various internet services. It also played a significant role in the development of self-driving car technology through its project, which later became Waymo.","simplifiedExplanation":"Google is a big tech company that created a self-driving car project. They worked on making cars that can drive themselves without human help."}},{"startTime":1293.8,"endTime":1297.7,"type":"term","title":"autopilot","url":"/glossary/autopilot","quote":"...Elon Musk announced his autopilot driver assistance, which was completely different...","canonicalId":"term:autopilot","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Autopilot refers to Tesla's advanced driver-assistance system that allows the vehicle to steer, accelerate, and brake automatically within its lane. It is designed to enhance driving convenience but still requires driver supervision.","simplifiedExplanation":"Autopilot is a feature in Tesla cars that helps the car drive itself in certain situations. However, the driver still needs to pay attention and be ready to take control if needed."}},{"startTime":1302.3,"endTime":1306.6,"type":"term","title":"driverless","url":"/glossary/driverless","quote":"...our goal is driverless out of the gate...","canonicalId":"term:driverless","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Driverless technology refers to vehicles that can operate without human intervention, utilizing sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to navigate and make driving decisions.","simplifiedExplanation":"Driverless means a car can drive itself without anyone inside to control it. It uses technology to see the road and make decisions just like a human driver would."}},{"startTime":1306.6,"endTime":1312.2,"type":"term","title":"semi-automated driving features","url":"/glossary/semi-automated-driving-features","quote":"...we will never do driver assistance...","canonicalId":"term:semi-automated-driving-features","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Semi-automated driving features are systems that assist the driver but still require human oversight, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. These features enhance safety and convenience but do not replace the driver.","simplifiedExplanation":"Semi-automated driving features are tools in a car that help the driver, like keeping the car in its lane or adjusting speed. The driver still needs to be in control and watch the road."}},{"startTime":1555.0,"endTime":1557.0,"type":"company","title":"Cruise Automation","url":"/glossary/cruise-automation","quote":"...GM invested in cruise. GM wanted to get in on self-driving and for a billion dollars bought cruise automation...","canonicalId":"company:cruise-automation","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Cruise Automation is a company focused on developing self-driving technology, which was acquired by General Motors (GM) to enhance their capabilities in autonomous vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Cruise Automation is a company that works on making cars that can drive themselves. GM bought this company to help them with self-driving technology."}},{"startTime":1561.4,"endTime":1568.38,"type":"car","title":"Audi A4S","url":"/cars/audi/a4","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b1/Audi_A4_Avant_B9_%28FL%29_1X7A6421.jpg","quote":"which was a company in San Francisco that was attaching sensor hardware to Audi A4s. I was","canonicalId":"car:audi:a4","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Audi A4 is a compact executive car produced by the German automaker Audi since 1994. It is known for its blend of performance, luxury, and technology, making it a popular choice in its segment.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Audi A4 is a car made by Audi, a German company. It's known for being comfortable and having good technology features.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1577.8,"endTime":1587.9,"type":"company","title":"Waymo","url":"/glossary/waymo","quote":"and then, soon after that, Google rebranded the self-driving car project and called it Waymo. In 2017, I think it's a fun milestone, the first transportation","canonicalId":"company:waymo","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Waymo is a self-driving technology company that originated from Google's self-driving car project. It focuses on developing autonomous vehicle technology and has been a leader in the field of self-driving cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"Waymo is a company that works on self-driving cars. They started as part of Google and are now known for their advanced technology in making cars drive themselves."}},{"startTime":1616.2,"endTime":1626.1,"type":"term","title":"Uber ATG","url":"/glossary/uber-atg","quote":"this was a major","canonicalId":"term:uber-atg","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Uber ATG (Advanced Technologies Group) was a division of Uber focused on developing self-driving technology. It aimed to create autonomous vehicles for ride-sharing services but faced challenges and was eventually sold.","simplifiedExplanation":"Uber ATG was a part of Uber that worked on making self-driving cars. They wanted to create cars that could drive people around without a driver, but they had some problems and were sold off."}},{"startTime":1657.0,"endTime":1661.6,"type":"company","title":"Aurora","url":"/glossary/aurora","quote":"...the shutdown of the ATG unit and its acquisition by Aurora, which Chris was running for time and is today an AV trucking company.","canonicalId":"company:aurora","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Aurora is a company specializing in self-driving technology, particularly for trucking and logistics. It acquired Uber ATG to enhance its capabilities in the autonomous vehicle sector.","simplifiedExplanation":"Aurora is a company that focuses on making self-driving technology, especially for trucks. They bought a part of Uber that was working on self-driving cars to help improve their own technology."}},{"startTime":1667.0,"endTime":1671.0,"type":"term","title":"RoboTaxi","url":"/glossary/robotaxi","quote":"...Waymo launches its RoboTaxi service, which is today the only driverless RoboTaxi outside of China that you can get in and ride around.","canonicalId":"term:robotaxi","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A RoboTaxi is an autonomous vehicle that operates as a taxi service without a human driver. It uses advanced technologies like sensors and AI to navigate and transport passengers safely.","simplifiedExplanation":"A RoboTaxi is a self-driving car that you can use like a taxi, but it doesn't have a driver inside. It uses technology to drive itself and take you where you want to go."}},{"startTime":1786.2,"endTime":1800.0,"type":"term","title":"automatic safety system","url":"/glossary/automatic-safety-system","quote":"...if the system isn't there, sensing the object for which whatever camera she had in her car didn't have the automatic, hey, there's somebody there. Don't go into reverse or don't do that...","canonicalId":"term:automatic-safety-system","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An automatic safety system in vehicles is designed to prevent accidents by detecting obstacles and taking action, such as stopping the car or alerting the driver. 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They help keep the car safe while driving."}},{"startTime":1854.9,"endTime":1860.7,"type":"concept","title":"cannonball run","url":"/glossary/cannonball-run","quote":"...my team performed a Tesla cannonball run using full self-driving across country safely...","canonicalId":"concept:cannonball-run","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Cannonball Run is an unofficial, unsanctioned, and often illegal long-distance driving event in the United States, where participants race from one coast to another. It highlights the capabilities of vehicles, especially in terms of speed and endurance.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Cannonball Run is a race where drivers try to get from one side of the country to the other as fast as possible. It's not an official race, but it shows how fast cars can go."}},{"startTime":2101.2,"endTime":2105.2,"type":"term","title":"AVs","url":"/glossary/avs","quote":"...In the future, AVs will be ubiquitous. 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They use technology to see where they are going and make decisions like a person would."}},{"startTime":2542.34,"endTime":2546.78,"type":"car","title":"Jeep Wrangler","url":"/cars/jeep/wrangler","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a7/JEEP_WRANGLER_%28JL%29_China.jpg","quote":"And the perfect example is a Jeep Wrangler is an autonomy vehicle.","canonicalId":"car:jeep:wrangler","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Jeep Wrangler is a compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. It is popular among outdoor enthusiasts and is often associated with adventure and exploration.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Jeep Wrangler is a tough, off-road vehicle that can handle rough terrains. It's popular for outdoor adventures and is designed to be driven in places where regular cars might struggle.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Fred Fishkin/Alain Kornhauser","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/smart-driving-cars-episode-402-with-guest-alex-roy/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}