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> No matter what you’re transporting or where it’s headed, Waymo Via will have you covered. Lumber haulage, on forest tracks, in winter? Snark aside, I'll be
by lolc 7y ago
> No matter what you’re transporting or where it’s headed, Waymo Via will have you covered.
Lumber haulage, on forest tracks, in winter?
Snark aside, I'll be really impressed when they manage to get any service going. But that page doesn't offer anything to convince me.
- ttul 7y agoLumber hauling off road may actually be one of the easier applications because the road is usually dedicated to trucking. Logging trucks already assume they can blast along at full speed because if you use a logging road, you’re supposed to radio your position via CB to ensure the trucks know where you are and don’t hit you.
- ska 7y agoIIRC there are already some analogous uses in mining - there the track following is a bit easier, but has similar dedicated use simplification.
- thedance 7y agoSigh. Forest roads are absolutely not dedicated to logging, they are frequently used by hikers, backpackers, cyclists, and equestrians, and just people driving to a picnic spot. At least in America working forests are also public lands.
- ttul 7y agoThis is true, but nonetheless you’re supposed to carry a CB. On Canadian logging roads, this is not something they take lightly - at least on the signage!
- ehsankia 7y agoI believe it can drive during winter, just not in extreme condition (snowstorm). Of course, it can simply wait until the storm passes and continue. And honestly, many of the cases where Waymo can't safely drive, realistically most humans shouldn't be driving either but we still do because we're stubborn like that. OTOH, if there's a 24h stretch of good condition, it can drive the whole time.
- lolc 7y agoThe machines keep refusing to drive like we do. They have reason on their side.
- heartbreak 7y agoI believe OP is referring to hauling lumber on unpaved roads ("forest tracks"), which is likely a very difficult task.
- paxys 7y agoIf it is possible for a human to do today, eventually a computer will be able to do it as well.