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Since self-driving cars are still a new experience for most people, all of that visible topside gear might give riders a sense of security.
by spade 10y ago
Since self-driving cars are still a new experience for most people, all of that visible topside gear might give riders a sense of security.
- Animats 10y agoIt looks more like a way to simplify manufacturing. Put all the sensors in one factory-built topside unit, then bolt that to the car. Less labor intensive than hanging stuff all over the car, cheaper in small volumes than integration with the car body, and you can align everything during manufacturing. This sort of add-on thing is temporary. Another generation and cars will have an equally good sensor suite, but it will barely show.
- bhollan 10y agoI was thinking the exact same thing. It's not a beauty contest as long as Uber is owning the prototype fleet. Plus, I think it will clue in other drivers to: "Dude, that was one of those 'driverless ubers' right?"
- rodgerd 10y ago> It's not a beauty contest And plenty of taxis in my neck of the woods have rooftop advertising, anyway. On the other hand, it makes it clear the car is an Uber. Illegal parking and such will be a lot easier to ticket.