Uber's Autopilot Has Challenges on the Road and in the Air
*By Britt Terrell*
In the race to deploy autonomous driving technology to chauffeur passengers wherever they might go by road, Uber's Elevate division is also looking to gain an edge in the air by becoming the first company to bring similar self-driving technology to its fleet of flying taxis [as early as 2020](https://nypost.com/2018/05/07/uber-hopes-to-have-flying-taxis-by-2020/).
"It's actually going to be significantly easier we think, because a lot of the problems that you deal with on the road such as complicated street signs, such as other cars that may not be necessarily cooperative ー we're going to build the system to be autonomous for the future vision from the outset," said Nikhil Goel, head of product and advanced programs at Uber.
But in an interview Tuesday with Cheddar, Goel said the company was proceeding with caution, especially as Uber addresses issues with its ground-level autonomous driving technology. The company found that its self-driving feature was at fault when one of its cars killed a pedestrian in March. The vehicle did not brake soon enough.
Though the challenges for autonomous driving on the ground are different from those in the air, the technology still needs some work.
"These vehicles will actually start out as piloted," Goel said, referring to Uber's plans for flying taxis, adding they would only be used after close coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration and after a thorough safety review.
Uber was scheduled to meet with U.S. transportation and safety officials this week at its second annual Elevate Summit. Officials will hear about the company's technological developments as it seeks to begin testing its flying taxi technology in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Dubai.
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/uber-gets-elevated).
Connected cars software development platform Smartcar announced this week it has raised $24 million in a Series B round led by Energize Ventures. Smartcar's software can be integrated into mobile and web apps from mobility businesses. It allows users to do things like locate and unlock a vehicle, as well as check its mileage, fuel level, and battery if the vehicle is electric. Smartcar's technology is compatible with 22 different vehicle brands in 31 different countries. Smartcar co-founder and CEO Sahas Katta joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
If some members of Congress have their way, there might finally be a 'TLDR' on sites' terms of service, introduced by the terms-of-service labeling, design, and readability act – or TLDR for short. With this act, users will actually understand what they're agreeing to or the many ways in which their data is being used before pressing 'accept.' J.D. sat down with co-sponsor of the bill and Senator Bill Cassidy, to discuss.
On this episode of Cheddar Innovates: Vrai CEO discusses the process of creating lab grown diamonds, Entrupy CEO breaks down how the app uses artificial intelligence to analyze authenticity for luxury goods and sneakers; A look at Curiosity Stream's 'Red Elvis.'
Vidyuth Srinivasan, CEO and Co-Founder of Entrupy, joins Cheddar Innovates to discuss how this app uses artificial intelligence to analyze authenticity for luxury goods and sneakers, and why this is so critical as the secondary and resale retail markets are on the rise.
Mona Akhavi, CEO of Vrai, joins Cheddar Innovates to discuss the process of creating lab grown diamonds, why this industry is growing, and the latest trends in the jewelry and engagement ring space.
