Lex Fridman Podcast #147 – Dmitri Dolgov: Waymo and the Future of Self-Driving Cars
Dec 20, 2020
Dmitri Dolgov, CTO of Waymo and a key figure in autonomous vehicles since their Google inception, discusses the evolution of self-driving technology. He shares thrilling anecdotes from the DARPA Urban Challenge that laid the groundwork for Waymo. Dolgov dives into the cutting-edge innovations of self-driving hardware and the significance of real-time data processing. He highlights user feedback's role in enhancing the experience of autonomous transport, and reflects on the ethical dilemmas faced in urban settings as technology advances into daily life.
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The Ideal Waymo Experience
- Waymo aims to create a transportation experience that is frictionless, predictable, and private.
- These qualities contribute to an enjoyable and seamless experience for users.
Assertive vs. Aggressive Driving
- Dmitri Dolgov believes aggressive driving is often unnecessary for efficiency.
- Waymo aims to build a driver that is safe, comfortable, smooth, predictable, and assertive, like a professional driver.
Scaling Up Waymo
- Waymo's focus is on scaling up commercialization beyond Phoenix.
- This involves improving core technology, evaluation/deployment processes, and product/operational excellence.
