In this conversation, Sean and Andrew explore the future of transportation, particularly focusing on driverless cars and the implications of autonomous vehicles. They discuss the current state of technology, the various levels of automation, and the societal changes that may arise from widespread adoption of self-driving cars. The conversation also touches on personal experiences with Waymo, the challenges of public perception, and the potential benefits for individuals with disabilities. In this conversation, the hosts explore the experience of riding in an autonomous vehicle, specifically a Waymo, discussing its driving behavior, safety features, and the implications of self-driving technology. They touch on the normalization of autonomous driving, the data surrounding safety, and the ethical dilemmas posed by such technology, including the famous trolley problem. The discussion highlights the advancements in autonomous driving while also questioning the responsibilities and societal impacts of these technologies.

See the Full Waymo Ride [YouTube]

Special Acknowledgment
We'd like to acknowledge the partial funding support provided by the US Department of Transportation-sponsored Travel Behavior and Demand National University Transportation Center led by The University of Texas at Austin. The Center, of which Arizona State University is a consortium member, has helped make this podcast episode, and the research we're discussing, possible

Chapters
00:00 Envisioning the Future of Transportation

03:00 The Reality of Driverless Cars

11:59 Understanding Levels of Automation

23:55 The Road Ahead for Autonomous Vehicles

31:13 Navigating Autonomous Driving: A New Experience

39:17 The Waymo Experience: First Impressions and Observations

50:41 Safety in Autonomous Vehicles: Analyzing the Data

59:57 Ethical Dilemmas in Autonomous Driving: The Trolley Problem

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Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu

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Host Bios:

Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.

Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.

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