Cruise, a robotaxi company with significant backing from General Motors, is reportedly on the cusp of receiving regulatory approval to mass-produce its purpose-built driverless vehicle, the Origin. CEO Kyle Vogt has expressed cautious optimism about the potential for approval, suggesting it could come as early as a few days. However, the road to regulatory clearance has been long and arduous, with Cruise having made numerous pushbacks and adjustments along the way.
The Origin, first revealed in early 2020, is a driverless vehicle designed to revolutionize the ridesharing industry. By featuring a sleek interior with passenger seats only, sans steering wheel and pedals, the Origin provides an unprecedented level of comfort and relaxation for riders. This design philosophy contrasts sharply with Cruise’s current robotaxis, which operate in cities such as San Francisco and Phoenix and are modified vehicles equipped with a steering wheel, a staple of traditional automobiles that companies in this sector aim to eliminate.
Cruise has envisioned thousands of Origin vehicles cruising through cities across the United States, offering ridesharing services that will redefine the urban transportation terrain. However, regulatory hurdles remain in place, particularly regarding federal safety standards, which Vogt believes the company can overcome this month. The stakes are high, with the approval of the Origin having significant implications for the future of autonomous transportation in the country.
Industry critics, including some of Cruise’s peers, have raised concerns about the safety implications of deploying driverless vehicles, citing a series of incidents that have had negative repercussions in San Francisco streets. Just last month, Cruise’s vehicle collided with a fire truck, resulting in minor injuries to its passenger. San Francisco regulators responded by ordering the company to halve its robotaxi fleet in the city.
Cruise’s Driverless Origin Nears Regulatory Approval
This setback occurred mere days after California’s Public Utilities Commission announced a landmark decision, allowing Cruise and Waymo to expand their paid ridesharing services 24-hours a day. Cruise’s CEO, Kyle Vogt, has expressed concerns that excessive resistance from critics may hinder the development of autonomous technology, which has the potential to significantly improve road safety.
While Cruise pushes forward with the Origin, its rival Waymo continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with driverless technology. In a major breakthrough, Waymo showcased its own concept for a purpose-built driverless vehicle, a result of a partnership with Geely, the Chinese automaker. The design features an interior without a steering wheel and pedals, with ample headroom, legroom, and reclining seats, as well as easily accessible screens, chargers, and cabin controls. This design aligns closely with Cruise’s Origin prototype.
As Cruise nears the finish line for regulatory approval of its Origin, its rivals, including Waymo, continue to explore new possibilities with driverless technology. While hurdles remain, proponents of autonomous vehicles assert that the benefits far outweigh the risks. Ultimately, wider adoption of autonomous cars could usher in a safer transportation future, revolutionizing the way we travel. The prospect of seamless, congestion-free travel, minus the need for human intervention, is more tantalizing now than ever as autonomous cars seem poised to transform the transportation terrain.
