The future is now as self driving Uber cars begin to roll out in Pittsburgh. It all started a year and half ago and when Uber set up an Advanced Technologies Center with this exact intention in mind.
Initially people who have already been loyal Uber users in the town will be getting the first rides in the Ubers, which will come along with safety drivers as a backup while things first get rolling.
The reasons behind making the switch to self driving cars are many. For one thing, Uber thinks that having them will cut down on the amount of car accidents that occur from human error. For another thing having people rely on Uber has the potential to open up space both on the road and in the parking spots.
The self driving cars do have their limits, and during certain weather conditions they will always require a safety driver up front in case they need to intervene and help out the technology a bit.
Uber ultimately plans to replace $1.5 million drivers with autonomous vehicles, although they are quick to point out that they are increasing the need for other jobs as well. The more cars they have on the road for more hours of the day, the more maintenance the cars will need.
