In a fascinating turn of events, software engineer Sophia Tung has been livestreaming a San Francisco parking lot rented by Waymo, revealing the mysterious activities of self-driving taxis during their downtime. This unique glimpse into the world of autonomous vehicles has sparked curiosity and interest among viewers.
Tung, utilizing a mini PC and a webcam cleverly surrounded by a cereal box to reduce glare, set up the livestream with a backdrop of LoFi study beats. This makeshift setup provides a constant feed of the Waymo cars’ activities throughout the day and night, allowing viewers to witness the unusual behavior of the autonomous vehicles.
According to Tung, the parking lot sees the most action between 4AM and 9PM PST on various days of the week. During these times, the lot fills up with Waymo cars, leading to a chaotic display of autonomous parking and occasional honking. The noise can last for up to an hour before subsiding, providing insight into the challenges faced by self-driving vehicles.
Waymo, upon being questioned about the honking behavior of their vehicles, acknowledged the issue and stated that they are actively working to address and resolve it. This transparency from the company showcases their commitment to improving the performance and behavior of their autonomous vehicles, ensuring a smoother experience for both passengers and bystanders.
The livestream of Waymo’s late-night parking lot raises questions about the daily operations and behaviors of self-driving taxis, offering a unique perspective on the challenges faced by autonomous vehicles in real-world scenarios. As technology continues to advance, insights like these shed light on the intricacies of AI-driven transportation systems and pave the way for further innovations in the field.
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