Summary
The recent surge in inventory of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology signals a slower path to widespread adoption. Mobileye, a leading manufacturer of self-driving technology, reported an excess of inventory due to disrupted supply chains caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The stockpiling of Mobileye’s EyeQ SoCs, used in real-time visual recognition for self-driving cars, is an attempt by automakers to stay prepared for increasing demand and evolving technological advancements. However, this revelation led to a significant drop in Mobileye’s shares, indicating skepticism among investors. While the company had initially aimed for fully autonomous vehicles by 2024, the current market suggests a delay in reaching this goal. Despite the availability of fully autonomous rides in select areas such as Phoenix, consumer interest in owning or using autonomous cars remains relatively low. Experts estimate that self-driving technology may not be widely accessible until around 2035. However, the adoption of connected cars and hands-free technologies has paved the way for integrating AVs into our transportation infrastructure. Delivery services and other specialized use cases are also contributing to the gradual integration of AVs into our daily lives.
The Slow Journey Towards Autonomous Vehicles
The recent announcement by Mobileye about excess inventory highlights the uncertainties surrounding the future of autonomous vehicles. While the company’s initial plans projected fully autonomous cars on the road by 2024, the current market sentiment and consumer interest do not align with this timeline. Research shows that only a small percentage of consumers express a strong desire to own or use autonomous vehicles.
Industry experts estimate that autonomous driving could become a substantial billion-dollar industry by 2035. However, other reports suggest that fully self-driving vehicles may not be a reality until that same year. This discrepancy indicates that both technological advancements and consumer acceptance need further development before autonomous vehicles can become the norm.
The shift towards autonomous vehicles could find its foundation in the evolution of connected cars. As consumers become more comfortable with relinquishing control over certain tasks to technology, the stage is set for autonomous driving. Voice technologies, such as hands-free in-car systems, have already paved the way for real-time digital commerce and are contributing to the acceptance of AVs.
While the road to widespread adoption may be longer than initially anticipated, AVs are still making progress in specific use cases. Companies like Nuro are partnering with industry leaders to focus on large-scale deployment of AVs for last-mile delivery. These specialized applications provide valuable insights and practical applications of autonomous driving that can shape the future of transportation.
In conclusion, the journey towards fully autonomous vehicles is complex and requires the convergence of technological advancement and consumer acceptance. While delays and challenges exist, the gradual integration of AVs into our daily lives through connected cars and specialized use cases provides a glimpse of the potential future of transportation.
The source of the article is from the blog enp.gr