Uber's robotaxi chief says the company will still need human drivers, but their jobs will look very different
Briefly

Uber is advancing its efforts to incorporate robotaxis into its ride-hailing service, as executives state that human drivers will face increased competition from autonomous vehicles in urban areas. Despite this, Uber's Senior VP Andrew Macdonald asserts that human drivers will remain essential, particularly in challenging weather conditions. As the company secures partnerships with various robotaxi firms, drivers express worries about the impact on their livelihoods. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi highlighted the success of Waymo's robotaxis in Austin, which have outperformed the majority of human drivers, indicating a shifting landscape in the ride-hailing industry.
Uber's robotaxi chief stated that while human drivers will still be important, they will face increasing competition from self-driving taxis in urban areas.
Macdonald emphasized that despite the rise of autonomous vehicles, he believes there will actually be more Uber drivers in a decade, due to a shift towards mobility as a service.
Khosrowshahi praised the performance of Waymo robotaxis in Austin, noting they were busier than nearly all human drivers, underscoring the swift advancement in Uber's autonomous fleet.
Concerns from Uber drivers about their futures are growing, as the introduction of robotaxis raises questions about job security and earnings within the evolving landscape.
Read at Business Insider
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