>It has recently occured to me to ask why we have decided to try solve autonomous driving before solving any other seemingly easier robotics problems. Other than robo-vacuums, which aren't particularly complex, we have jumped straight to trying to solve one of the hardest unconstrained robotics and AI challenges in automotive environments.

I'd say it's because other problems are actually difficult in hidden ways or lack much of a value proposition given existing mechanical aids. Cars are in some ways simple because they have plenty of space for electronics and have an easy to automate set of controls. That's not even getting into industrial robotics which is very popular.