Autonomy

Lawrence D. Burns explores the historical evolution and future potential of self-driving technology. The narrative tracks the transition from early robotic competitions sponsored by DARPA to the sophisticated autonomous systems developed by major tech entities like Google’s Waymo. Burns argues that the current automotive model is grossly inefficient, advocating instead for a convergence of electric propulsion, vehicle sharing, and automation. This shift promises to drastically reduce transportation costs, enhance passenger safety by eliminating human error, and reshape urban landscapes. Ultimately, the text highlights the cultural and industrial tensions between traditional Detroit automakers and the disruptive innovators of Silicon Valley.