Waymo Madness in SF! Why robotaxis clogged the streets | E2227

101 snips

Dec 23, 2025

A power outage in San Francisco caused Waymo robotaxis to gridlock the streets, prompting a lively discussion on their future coordination potential. Exciting predictions emerged about a day when self-driving cars could surpass ballet dancers in elegance. With self-driving tech expanding to London and Coinbase's ambitious acquisitions, the hosts speculated on a potential Google-Uber merger. The conversation also touched on decreasing ride costs and a competitive landscape in the robo-taxi market, as well as insights into Tesla's innovative approach to autonomous vehicles.

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INSIGHT

Map-Based Stacks Are Accurate But Brittle

Jason contrasted map-based Waymo stacks as accurate but brittle versus Tesla's end-to-end systems that generalize better.
He noted Waymo is working on model-based approaches (EMMA/N2M) to reduce brittleness.

ANECDOTE

Inside Tesla's Optimus Lab

Jason visited Tesla's Optimus lab and touched the robot hand, describing the environment as like Westworld.
He said even partial fulfillment of Tesla's promises would transform manufacturing and services.

INSIGHT

Robotaxi Costs Will Collapse Ride Prices

Jason estimated robotaxi per-mile costs will collapse from $2–3 to $0.50–$1, dramatically increasing ride consumption.
He argued lower costs will accelerate adoption and reduce personal car ownership.

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