Is this why Waymo is slow to expand, not enough remote drivers?
Maybe that is where we need to be focused, better remote driving?
The reason that Waymo is slow to expand is that they have to carefully and extensively LiDAR map every single road of their operating area before they can open up service in an area. Then while operating they simply do a difference algo on what each LiDAR sees at the moment and the truth data they have stored, and boom, anything that can potentially move pops right out. It works, it just takes a lot of prep- and a lot of people to keep on top of things too. For example, while my kid's school was doing construction they refused to drop off in the parking lot, but when the construction ended they became willing. So there must be a human who is monitoring construction zones across the metro area, and marking up on their internal maps when areas are off limits.
I think maybe we can and should focus on both. Better remote driving can be extended into other equipment operations as well - remote control of excavators and other construction equipment. Imagine road construction, or building projects, being able to be done remotely while we wait for better automation to develop.
* Saves on commute or travel time.
* Job sites no longer need to provide housing for workers.
* Allows the vehicles to stay in operation continuously, currently they shut down for breaks.
* With automation multiple vehicles could be operated at once.
The biggest benefits seem to be in resource extraction but I believe the vehicles there are already highly automated. At least the haul trucks.