As someone who has always been curious about the behind-the-scenes of self-driving technology, stumbling upon Sophia Tung’s livestream of a San Francisco parking lot rented by Waymo was nothing short of fascinating. Tung, a software engineer, has provided a unique window into the world of Waymo robotaxis during their downtime.
The journey began on July 28th when Waymo seemingly “partially” took over the parking lot, eventually securing the entire space for its robotaxis. With the recent expansion of Waymo’s robotaxi service in San Francisco, Tung saw an opportunity to set up a livestream that showcased the daily activities of these autonomous vehicles.
The livestream itself is a simple setup, utilizing a mini PC and a webcam cleverly shielded by a cereal box to reduce glare. The video stream, accompanied by LoFi study beats, offers viewers a real-time look at the interactions of Waymo cars in the lot. It’s a surreal experience to witness the ebb and flow of these autonomous vehicles, especially during peak hours.
According to Tung, the parking lot sees increased activity in the early hours of the morning, with a flurry of autonomous vehicles engaging in what can only be described as a choreographed ballet of parking and occasional honking. Despite the initial chaos, the situation eventually calms down, leaving the lot still and serene once more.
In response to the honking behavior observed in the parking lot, Waymo has acknowledged the issue and is actively working on a resolution. Company representative Chris Bonelli assured that Waymo is committed to addressing any disturbances caused by their vehicles in parking lots.
The livestream provided by Sophia Tung offers a unique insight into the world of Waymo robotaxis, showcasing the intricacies of autonomous vehicle behavior even during their off-duty hours. It’s a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of technology and automation, giving us a glimpse of what the future of transportation may hold.
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