The Growing Momentum: From Skepticism to Belief

For years, the idea of autonomous vehicles, particularly robotaxis, seemed like a distant dream—something that might happen in decades, if at all. However, recent developments have dramatically shifted this perception. “Six months ago, people said this was impossible and wouldn’t be coming for decades,” recalls an industry insider. But today, the narrative is changing. With significant advancements in autonomous driving technology and growing regulatory approval, the once-distant dream of robotaxis is now within reach.

A clear indicator of this shift is the recent approval of robotaxi services at Phoenix Airport, where autonomous vehicles can now do curbside pickups and drop-offs. This milestone is reminiscent of the early days of ride-sharing services like Uber, which faced significant regulatory hurdles before becoming mainstream. “Now, this is an airport,” emphasized a commentator on the Brighter with Herbert YouTube channel, highlighting the significance of such a high-profile location embracing autonomous technology. “A lot of these companies are paving the way; they’re getting regulatory approval, they’re willing to do pilots.”

This regulatory progress, combined with increasing consumer interest, is driving a surge in investor confidence. However, the market response has been somewhat muted. As one analyst noted, “If people thought it was a done deal in the next short period of time, the stock would have moved.” This caution reflects the broader uncertainty surrounding the exact timeline for widespread robotaxi deployment, even as the groundwork is being laid.

The Reality of Autonomy: A Technological Leap

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology lies at the heart of its robotaxi ambitions. The company has made remarkable progress, with FSD now capable of driving for extended periods without human intervention. “FSD is now driving for hours without intervention… Tesla is the only one who has that product, and it’s a life-changing product,” shared one enthusiast, underscoring the uniqueness and potential of Tesla’s technology.

This leap in autonomy is more than just a technical achievement; it represents a fundamental shift in how we think about transportation. Imagine a world where your car drives itself, picks up passengers while you’re at work, and then returns to take you home—this is the promise of Tesla’s robotaxi. “This is bigger than the Model 3, this is bigger than the Model Y—this is going to change the whole business,” another commentator declared, highlighting the profound impact that widespread robotaxi adoption could have on Tesla’s business model and the broader automotive industry.

However, the road to full autonomy is not without its challenges. Tesla’s FSD system, while impressive, still faces hurdles in achieving perfect reliability across all driving conditions. “The technology has a long way to go for Tesla,” admitted one critic. “It’s amazing, but it also kind of sucks… It also can’t drive on the highway.” These limitations underscore the complexity of developing a truly autonomous system that can handle the myriad scenarios encountered on the road.

Economic Impacts: Redefining Personal Transportation

One of the most profound impacts of Tesla’s robotaxi initiative will likely be on the economics of personal transportation. With the advent of robotaxis, the need for personal vehicle ownership could diminish significantly. A Tesla owner planning to leverage his vehicle as a robotaxi reflected on this potential shift: “I plan to use this Model 3 as a robotaxi. I feel that there will be very few used Teslas with FSD. Once this happens, the ability to find a used Tesla with FSD will be tough.”

The implications of such a shift are enormous. As robotaxis become more prevalent, individuals and families may find it more economical to rely on these services rather than owning a car. This could lead to a significant reduction in vehicle sales and a corresponding decrease in the demand for parking spaces, garages, and other infrastructure associated with car ownership. One commentator speculated, “When people start dropping their second or first car with robotaxi, car sales will fall. When they spend $50 to $150 a month instead of $600 to $1,500 a month, that will kill auto sales.”

Moreover, the widespread adoption of robotaxis could have a democratizing effect on transportation, making it more accessible to a broader segment of the population. “The largest initial market for autonomous is going to be seniors,” predicted one observer. The ability for elderly individuals to maintain their independence without relying on others for transportation could significantly enhance their quality of life. “All their independence went out the window” when seniors lose the ability to drive, another user lamented. Autonomous vehicles could restore that independence, allowing them to continue to participate fully in society.

Environmental Benefits: Accelerating the Transition to Sustainability

Tesla’s robotaxi initiative also holds the potential to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable transportation system. With each robotaxi expected to replace multiple personal vehicles, the overall number of cars on the road could decrease, leading to lower carbon emissions and reduced traffic congestion. Elon Musk has frequently highlighted the environmental benefits of Tesla’s mission, noting that autonomous vehicles could play a critical role in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

An advocate for sustainable transportation shared their perspective: “Robo taxis are essentially going to be an accelerant to getting off of oil.” This acceleration is crucial in the fight against climate change, as transportation accounts for a significant portion of global carbon emissions. By replacing gasoline-powered vehicles with electric robotaxis, Tesla could help to mitigate the environmental impact of personal transportation.

The environmental benefits extend beyond just carbon emissions. As robotaxis become more prevalent, the demand for parking spaces could decrease, freeing up urban land for green spaces, affordable housing, or other community uses. Additionally, the shift to electric robotaxis could reduce air pollution in densely populated areas, improving public health and quality of life.

Societal Shifts: Reimagining Daily Life

The societal implications of widespread robotaxi adoption are perhaps the most profound of all. The ability to summon a ride at any time, without the need to own or maintain a vehicle, could fundamentally change the way we live and work. For families, this could mean greater flexibility and freedom. One user shared a personal story that highlights this potential: “My sister-in-law had to give up a good-paying job so she could drive the kids to school. With the autonomous vehicles, she can go back to work.”

This shift could have far-reaching economic and social implications. As more families embrace autonomous transportation, the traditional model of car ownership could become less common, leading to changes in everything from urban planning to the structure of the auto industry. “It’s going to more than pay for the service by far,” the same user noted, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of robotaxis compared to traditional vehicle ownership.

However, the societal impact of robotaxis extends beyond just economic considerations. The introduction of autonomous vehicles could also reshape our relationship with technology, privacy, and security. One user raised concerns about the integration of AI in vehicles, particularly with regard to data privacy: “How can you take their software into a car where you actually want to have like apps and the possibility to buy apps and connect your Apple and your Android phone too?”

These concerns underscore the need for robust regulatory frameworks and industry standards to ensure that the benefits of autonomous transportation are realized without compromising privacy or security. As Tesla and other companies continue to develop and deploy autonomous technology, these issues will need to be carefully navigated to maintain public trust and ensure the safe and ethical use of AI in transportation.

The Future of Transportation: A New Era Dawns

As Tesla’s robotaxi initiative moves closer to reality, it is becoming increasingly clear that we are on the brink of a new era in transportation. The potential benefits—from reduced traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions to economic empowerment and increased accessibility—are too significant to ignore. However, realizing these benefits will require overcoming significant technical, regulatory, and societal challenges.

Despite these challenges, the momentum behind autonomous vehicles is undeniable. As one commentator put it, “Tesla has the only self-driving system that can drive in North America, Europe, and China without a need for intense mapping.” This global capability positions Tesla at the forefront of the autonomous revolution, with the potential to reshape not just the automotive industry, but the world as we know it.

In the coming years, as Tesla’s robotaxis begin to hit the streets, we will witness a transformation in how we move through our cities, how we structure our daily lives, and how we think about transportation. The changes brought about by this technology will be profound, and while the road ahead may be uncertain, one thing is clear: the future of transportation is autonomous, and Tesla is leading the way.

A Society Transformed

Tesla’s robotaxi initiative is more than just a technological innovation; it is a catalyst for societal change. As autonomous vehicles become more prevalent, we can expect to see shifts in everything from personal transportation habits to urban planning, economic structures, and environmental policies. The impact of this technology will be felt across all aspects of society, and while there are challenges to overcome, the potential benefits are immense.

As we stand on the brink of this new era in transportation, it is worth reflecting on the journey that has brought us here and the possibilities that lie ahead. “This is going to change the whole business,” one observer remarked, capturing the transformative potential of Tesla’s robotaxis. Indeed, as Tesla continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with autonomous driving, the ripple effects will be felt across society, reshaping industries, economies, and the way we live our daily lives.

In the end, Tesla’s robotaxi initiative is not just about creating a new service; it is about reimagining the future of transportation and, in doing so, changing society for the better. As we prepare for this new reality, one thing is certain: the world of tomorrow will look very different from the world of today, and Tesla’s robotaxis will be at the heart of that transformation.

A Hollywood Setting for a Futuristic Vision

The choice of Warner Bros. Studios, a place steeped in cinematic history, is no accident. The 110-acre lot, famous for productions like Batman and Friends, offers a symbolic backdrop for Tesla’s latest innovation. By choosing a venue associated with imagination and storytelling, Tesla seems to be signaling that its robotaxi is not just a vehicle, but a transformative leap toward the future—a concept that blurs the lines between reality and science fiction.

“Elon Musk’s choice of Warner Bros. Studios for the robotaxi unveiling is a masterstroke,” says Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities. “It ties together the grandeur of Hollywood with the cutting-edge technology Tesla is known for. This isn’t just a product launch; it’s a statement.”

The event was initially scheduled for August 8 but was delayed due to design changes requested by Musk himself. According to sources familiar with the matter, the delay was strategic, allowing Tesla to refine the vehicle and add what Musk has described as “a few other things” to the showcase.

The Robotaxi: A Glimpse into the Future of Mobility

Tesla’s robotaxi is more than just another EV; it’s a purpose-built, fully autonomous vehicle designed to revolutionize urban mobility. The robotaxi is expected to operate without a human driver, leveraging Tesla’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous driving technology. The unveiling will likely provide the first detailed look at the robotaxi’s design, features, and capabilities.

“Tesla’s robotaxi represents the culmination of years of research and development in AI and autonomy,” says Adam Jonas, an automotive analyst at Morgan Stanley. “The potential impact on the ride-hailing industry, urban planning, and even the broader automotive market is enormous.”

Musk has been vocal about his vision for the robotaxi, often describing it as a key component of Tesla’s future. During a second-quarter earnings call in July, he hinted that the first unsupervised robotaxi rides could happen as early as the end of 2024. “It’s difficult, obviously. My predictions on this have been overly optimistic in the past,” Musk admitted. “But based on the current trend, you could see it happening unsupervised possibly by the end of this year. I would be shocked if we cannot do it next year.”

Warner Bros. Studios: More Than Just a Venue

The decision to host the event at Warner Bros. Studios is not just about location; it’s about creating a narrative. The studio’s vast, self-contained city set offers a controlled environment where Tesla can demonstrate the robotaxi’s capabilities without the need for regulatory approval typically required for public road testing.

“Hosting the event at a movie studio allows Tesla to control every aspect of the narrative,” explains Joanna Stern, a tech columnist for The Wall Street Journal. “They can showcase the robotaxi in an ideal setting, simulating real-world conditions while ensuring that everything goes off without a hitch. It’s a brilliant way to stage a demo.”

The studio’s 29 sound stages and numerous outdoor sets provide a versatile environment for such a demonstration. Some industry insiders speculate that Tesla might use these sets to recreate urban environments, allowing the robotaxi to navigate through simulated traffic scenarios, thus showcasing its autonomous capabilities in a way that would be both visually compelling and technically impressive.

A High-Stakes Unveiling

The stakes for this unveiling couldn’t be higher. Tesla is not just presenting a new product; it’s making a bid to dominate the future of transportation. The robotaxi is seen as a potential game-changer, not only for Tesla but for the entire automotive industry.

“Tesla’s robotaxi could redefine what we think of as urban mobility,” says Sandy Munro, CEO of Munro & Associates, a firm that specializes in automotive analysis. “If they can pull this off, it could disrupt the entire ride-hailing market, not to mention the broader implications for autonomous vehicles.”

However, the path to this point has been fraught with challenges. The delay from August to October raised questions about the readiness of Tesla’s technology and whether the company can meet its ambitious timelines. Critics have pointed out Musk’s history of optimistic deadlines that are often missed, but supporters argue that the delays are a sign of Tesla’s commitment to getting it right.

“The knee-jerk reaction to the delay might be negative,” says Ives. “But in reality, it could be a positive. More time means a better product, and for something as groundbreaking as the robotaxi, Tesla can’t afford to cut corners.”

A Broader Strategic Shift

The robotaxi unveiling also highlights a broader strategic shift for Tesla. While the company remains a leader in the EV market, Musk has increasingly focused on autonomy and AI as the pillars of Tesla’s future. The robotaxi is a manifestation of this shift, representing the company’s ambitions beyond simply selling cars.

“Tesla is no longer just an EV manufacturer; it’s becoming an AI and robotics company,” says Jonas. “The robotaxi is just the beginning. This event will likely set the stage for other innovations in AI and robotics that Tesla has in the pipeline.”

Musk’s broader vision includes a proprietary ride-hailing app that will integrate with the robotaxi fleet, potentially disrupting the existing ride-hailing market dominated by companies like Uber and Lyft. By creating a fleet of autonomous vehicles that can be summoned via an app, Tesla aims to lower the cost of transportation while increasing accessibility and convenience for consumers.

The Road Ahead

As the October 10 unveiling approaches, anticipation is building. Industry insiders, investors, and Tesla fans alike are eager to see what Musk and his team have in store. The event at Warner Bros. Studios promises to be more than just a product launch; it’s likely to be a milestone in the evolution of autonomous vehicles and urban mobility.

“Tesla’s robotaxi has the potential to be a watershed moment in the history of transportation,” says Stern. “If they can deliver on their promises, it could change everything—from how we commute to how cities are designed.”

With so much riding on this event, all eyes will be on Burbank this October. Whether Tesla’s robotaxi will live up to the hype remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world will be watching.

Tesla’s robotaxi unveiling at Warner Bros. Studios is set to be a landmark event that could redefine the future of transportation. As Musk continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, the October 10 event may very well mark the beginning of a new era in autonomous vehicles. The intersection of Hollywood and high technology could prove to be the perfect stage for Tesla’s latest act in its ongoing quest to shape the future.

US lawmakers have been increasing their scrutiny of Chinese companies over concerns about national security, as well as privacy. All Chinese firms are legally obligated to assist Beijing in its espionage and surveillance efforts. This poses a much greater threat when dealing with a telecommunications firm, or a firm that essentially creates flying cameras.

“The new Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency report makes clear that Communist Chinese drones present a legitimate national security risk to our critical infrastructure and must be banned from the U.S.,” said representatives Elise Stefanik and Mike Gallagher, the bills co-authors. “The CCP has subsidized drone companies such as DJI and Autel in order to destroy American competition and spy on America’s critical infrastructure sites. We must ban CCP-backed spy drones from America and work to bolster the U.S. drone industry.”

The Countering CCP Drones Act has been included as part of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. The bill would not ban existing DJI drones that consumers have already purchased, but would ban new sales.

DJI consistently ranks at or near the top of many outlet’s drone reviews, meaning a ban on the brand would have a significant impact on the drone market in the US. There is no guarantee a ban will go into effect, as it must still pass the Senate before being sent to President Biden to be signed into law.

Either way, Countering CCP Drones Act demonstrates the ongoing trade and security issues that exist between the US and China, with many more companies and brands likely to be caught in the middle.

Lawmakers and climate activists have targeted the airline industry and its carbon footprint. Many have pinned their hopes on SAFs, with some lawmakers pushing for regulation that would require the airline industry to move to SAFs.

There’s just one problem: According to the Institute for Policy Studies, SAFs are little more than a fantasy.

This fuel is typically made from crops or waste and can be substituted for current forms of jet fuel, or more likely mixed with it, ostensibly reducing emissions.

Unfortunately, we find that these fuels are largely — so far — a false solution.

There is currently no realistic or scalable alternative to kerosene-based fuels that would meet current aviation needs, let alone the industry’s projections of future growth. At present, SAF technologies would fail to meet U.S. climate goals by the target year of 2050.

As the Institute highlights, SAFs are especially being touted by the private jet industry, since its carbon footprint is 10 to 20 times worse per passenger than commercial airlines. As a result, lawmakers are particularly focused on the private jet industry, driving it to bank on SAFs as a solution.

The Institute acknowledges that true SAFs are possible, but the resources required to create them at scale would defeat the purpose and raise additional societal issues.

• Scaling up SAF production may thwart emissions reduction goals. Currently, in order to rapidly expand the production of sustainable aviation fuels, producers must use biogenic feedstocks — which could threaten global food security as well as nature-based carbon sequestration solutions such as the preservation of forests and wetlands. Plus, burning SAFs still emits CO2 — sometimes more than that of kerosene-based jet fuel. As such, SAF production may actively undermine Paris Agreement emissions reduction targets.
• Realistic increases in SAF production are decades off. In 2022, the U.S. produced just 15.8 million gallons of SAF. Meeting the Biden administration’s 2030 SAF production target of 3 billion gallons per year would require an 18,887 percent production increase over the next six years. To meet the 2050 target of 35 billion gallons, production would have to increase a whopping 227,400 percent over 2022 production levels.

The cost of scaling up SAF production remains prohibitive as well. For example, it is estimated that it would cost roughly $30 billion to create the necessary infrastructure to meet the 2030 goal of producing 3 billion gallons that the Biden administration has established.

The Institute acknowledges that more research is needed, along with improvements in technology. In the meantime, however, the recommendation is simply to fly less, especially when it comes to private jets.

Private jet expansion, even with alternative fuels, is the least defensible use of societal resources on a warming planet.

The full report can be found here.

Tesla’s entry into the trucking arena has been nothing short of audacious. With its superior breakthrough power, boasting 1500 horsepower – three times that of its competitors – Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla, has boldly declared his ambition to redefine the rules of the road transportation world. “We’re here to disrupt,” Musk proclaimed, signaling his intent to revolutionize an industry ripe for innovation.

But what strengths does the Tesla Semi possess to confidently challenge the Mac Anthem, a stalwart of the trucking world? At the heart of Tesla’s advantage lies its groundbreaking electric propulsion system. With three electric motors, the Tesla Semi offers unparalleled acceleration, boasting a 0 to 100 km/h speed of just 5 seconds when empty and 20 seconds when fully loaded, setting a new standard in performance.

Moreover, Tesla’s latest engineering breakthroughs have endowed the Semi with a range two to four times greater than competing electric trucks, making it a formidable contender for long-haul freight transportation. The rollout of mega pack bundles and supercharging stations and the establishment of new electric truck stops underscores Tesla’s commitment to addressing the infrastructure needs essential for widespread adoption.

In contrast, the Mac Anthem, with its wealth of industry experience, stands firm, fortified by a suite of enhanced engines and advanced aerodynamics aimed at maximizing fuel efficiency. While the Anthem may lack the rapid acceleration of the Tesla Semi, its robust performance under load and meticulous attention to safety and comfort have earned it a loyal following among trucking professionals.

Regarding safety features and technology integration, both vehicles offer cutting-edge innovations to enhance driver experience and reduce environmental impact. Tesla Semi’s enhanced autopilot feature and advanced traction control system give drivers peace of mind. Mac Anthem’s exclusive connectivity system and advanced positioning system optimize fuel consumption and route planning.

Yet, perhaps the most significant advantage of the Tesla Semi lies in its competitive pricing strategy. With starting prices ranging from $200,000 to $250,000, Tesla has positioned itself as a cost-effective alternative to traditional diesel trucks, particularly when factoring in tax credits and long-term fuel savings. This pricing strategy, coupled with stringent emission regulations and growing incentives for electric trucks, bodes well for Tesla’s prospects in the market.

As the battle between Tesla Semi and Mac Anthem intensifies, the future of trucking hangs in the balance. With each passing mile, the road to innovation is paved with challenges and opportunities as stakeholders navigate a landscape undergoing rapid transformation. Whether Tesla’s audacious vision will prevail over Mac’s time-tested reliability remains to be seen. Still, one thing is sure: the trucking industry’s race for supremacy has only just begun.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH_FzH61OGs

Boeing has been in the news repeatedly for catastrophic safety failures of its aircraft, including an incident in which a door blew off of a 737 operated by Alaska Airlines and one in which a tire fell off a Boeing 777-200, among others. Resulting investigations have uncovered numerous issues with Boeing aircraft. In the aftermath of the issue, CEO Dave Calhoun announced he would step down by the end of 2024, setting off a search for his replacement.

Unfortunately for the storied airplane maker, the problems don’t seem to be abating. According to ABC’s Sam Sweeney, a 737’s engine cover ripped off shortly after the plane left Denver, en route to Houston. The plane was forced to return to Denver with its engine cover in tatters.

Scary moments for passengers on a Southwest flight from Denver to Houston when the engine cover ripped off during flight , forcing the plane to return to Denver Sunday morning.

— Sam Sweeney (@SweeneyABC) | April 7, 2024

Regulators are already scrutinizing Boeing, putting the company under an increasingly uncomfortable microscope. It’s a safe bet this latest incident is only going to increase pressure even more.

Cruise suffered a major setback when California regulators deemed the company’s self-driving tech was not safe, even going so far as to accuse the company of misrepresenting its capabilities. A Cruise driverless vehicle was involved in an accident in which it ran over a pedestrian that had already been hit by another vehicle in a hit-and-run incident. While the Cruise vehicle was not responsible for the initial accident, it did not take the necessary action to recognize and avoid hitting the already-struck pedestrian.

In the wake of California’s decision, Cruise says it is pausing driverless operations across the country “to rebuild public trust.” The company announced the news on X:

(1/3) The most important thing for us right now is to take steps to rebuild public trust. Part of this involves taking a hard look inwards and at how we do work at Cruise, even if it means doing things that are uncomfortable or difficult.

(2/3) In that spirit, we have decided to proactively pause driverless operations across all of our fleets while we take time to examine our processes, systems, and tools and reflect on how we can better operate in a way that will earn public trust.

(3/3) This isn’t related to any new on-road incidents, and supervised AV operations will continue.

We think it’s the right thing to do during a period when we need to be extra vigilant when it comes to risk, relentlessly focused on safety, & taking steps to rebuild public trust.

Cruise (@cruise) — October 26, 2023

Airships were a common sight nearly a century ago, before the Hindenburg disaster sounded the death knell for the industry. With climate change a growing threat, and advancements in electric vehicles, airships are poised for a comeback.

According to IEEE Spectrum, LTA Research has received FAA clearance to fly its Pathfinder 1 airship. The airship uses helium, rather than the explosive hydrogen gas that doomed the Hindenburg, and uses electric motors to achieve up to 120 kilometers per hour. LTA Research plans to use the airships for cargo and humanitarian missions.

“Pathfinder 1’s experimental flight test program is to demonstrate and establish the flight envelope for the airship…. LTA’s test plan is tailored to include substantial indoor and outdoor ground testing, using a build-up approach to gradually increase the flight envelope,” the company wrote in its application to the FAA.

If LTA Research is successful, the company could help usher in a new golden era of airships.

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) has been the source of significant problems for the company, as customers have used the feature exactly as the name implies — trusting their Tesla to fully self-drive. The resulting accidents and incidents have predictably drawn scrutiny from regulators and lawsuits from customers.

According to Clean Energy Revolution, a Tesla engineer has testified in a lawsuit that FSD was never meant to imply autonomous driving:

While testifying last week, Tesla engineer Eloy Rubio Blanco repudiated the allegations that the name “Full Self-Driving” was chosen to deceive the public. Blanco stated that Tesla drivers did not believe that their vehicles were autonomous.

While Tesla may have some brilliant engineers, in the future, the company might do well to consult a dictionary when naming features.

Waymo is owned by Alphabet and is one of the leading self-driving companies. The company has been working to deploy its robotaxis, and currently operates in San Francisco, Metro Phoenix, and Los Angeles.

According to The Verge, Waymo has been testing its robotaxis in Austin since March, but will soon offer service in “a large portion of the city night and day,” including “the heart of downtown, Barton Hills, Riverside, East Austin, Hyde Park and more.”

The EU is aggressively moving forward with legislation to promote EVs, but its latest law could solve one of the biggest challenges to EV adoption: range anxiety.

The bloc plans to deploy charging stations every 60 km on the main EU transport corridors, also knows as the ‘trans-European transport (TEN-T) network.’ The stations will provide 150kW. These stations must be installed by 2025. These stations will be for passenger vehicles and vans.

At the same time, chargers for heavy-duty vehicles will need to be installed every 60 km on the core TEN-T network by 2025, providing at least 350kW. Coverage on the broader TEN-T network will be provided every 100 km (62 miles) beginning in 2025, with complete TEN-T coverage by 2030.

“The new law is a milestone of our ‘Fit for 55’ policy providing for more public recharging capacity on the streets in cities and along the motorways across Europe,” said Raquel Sánchez Jiménez, Spanish Minister of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda. “We are optimistic that in the near future, citizens will be able to charge their electric cars as easily as they do today in traditional petrol stations.”

The TSA has been slowly rolling out facial recognition in airports across the US, using the technology to speed up password and identity verification. The process is supposed to be opt-out, with travelers having the right to say they would prefer to be processed traditionally and avoid facial recognition.

According to The Washington Post, when Senator Jeff Merkley asked to opt out of the facial recognition scanner, TSA agents told the senator that doing so would cause a significant delay, no doubt in an effort to pressure him to simply submit to the scan and move on.

As the outlet points out, when Senator Merkley stood his ground and insisted on the traditional verification method, providing his photo ID for a TSA agent to confirm, there was no delay, and the line proceeded without incident.

Nonetheless, a US senator being pressured to submit to facial recognition does not bode well for the average traveler and makes one wonder how long the tech will remain opt-out — at least without lawmakers like Merkley passing measures to ensure it does.

Range anxiety is one of the biggest challenges to EV adoption. Many drivers, especially on long trips, simply don’t want to wait 30 minutes to an hour to charge their vehicle before resuming their journey.

According to CNET, Ample’s solution is to create robotic stations that can change a vehicle’s batteries in five minutes, roughly the time it takes to fill up a tank of gas.

The outlet reports that Ample already has 12 of its first-gen stations in the San Francisco area, with plans to roll out its second-gen stations in the US, Japan, and Spain latter this year.

Companies are racing to crack open the flying car market and SkyDrive is trying establish itself as a leader in the market. To further its endeavors, the company has announced an agreement with Suzuki for the two companies to begin production of EVTOLs in the spring of 2024. The three-seat “SKYDRIVE” eVTOL will be built in Suzuki’s factory.

“We are excited to cooperate with SkyDrive as we ambitiously work towards creating valuable products that contribute to the realization of a world where people use the sky for their daily transportations,” said Toshihiro Suzuki, Suzuki Motor Corporation President.

“At Suzuki, all manufacturing activities are based on a concept,” said Tomohiro Fukuzawa, SkyDrive Inc. CEO, “‘Smaller, Fewer, Lighter, Shorter, and Neater’ and SkyDrive is developing lightweight air mobilities. Suzuki and SkyDrive have been collaborating since March 2022 and we are very excited that SkyDrive will utilize the production facility of Suzuki to build our eVTOL ‘SKYDRIVE.’ In our pursuit to consistently manufacture safe and high-quality aircraft for the world, we are grateful for the valuable know-how we will learn from Suzuki, a global leader in automobile mass production. Suzuki and SkyDrive will work closely towards the shared goal.”

According to CBS News, the agency is expanding the program in some 25 airports around the country, using facial recognition to match travelers to their passports. The agency touts the improved accuracy and speed the process delivers.

“We view this as better for security, much more efficient, because the image capture is fast and you’ll save several seconds, if not a minute,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske.

“Facial recognition, first and foremost, is much, much more accurate,” Pekoske added. “And we’ve tested this extensively. So we know that it brings the accuracy level close to 100% from mid-80% with just a human looking at a facial match.”

Not everyone is convinced, however, with a group of senators sending a letter demanding the program be halted.

“You don’t have to compromise people’s biometric security in order to provide physical security at airports,” said Sen. Ed Markey.

At this time, participation is still voluntary, with travelers able to opt-out. Only time will tell if that remains the case.

On January 11, a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system outage impacted some 11,000 flights in the US. In the days after the incident, the FAA issued a statement explaining the cause:

A preliminary FAA review of last week’s outage of the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system determined that contract personnel unintentionally deleted files while working to correct synchronization between the live primary database and a backup database. The agency has so far found no evidence of a cyber-attack or malicious intent. The FAA continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the outage.

The FAA made the necessary repairs to the system and has taken steps to make the NOTAM system more resilient. The agency is acting quickly to adopt any other lessons learned in our efforts to ensure the continuing robustness of the nation’s air traffic control system.

According to Reuters, the FAA has implemented “a one-hour synchronization delay for one of the backup databases. This action will prevent data errors from immediately reaching that backup database.” The FAA also said it “now requires at least two individuals to be present during the maintenance of the (messaging) system, including one federal manager.”

According to TheStreet, beginning this month, customers will be able to use the Live Activities app to get real-time updates on boarding information, departure times, seat information, and more.

“We’re seeing soaring demand for travel this summer, and Live Activities puts all the flight information you need right at your fingertips, whether your iPhone is locked or you’re doing something else like checking email, listening to music or texting friends,” said Linda Jojo, chief customer officer for United in a statement. “This new feature is another way United is leveraging technology to improve our customers’ travel journey. It’s going to save passengers a lot of time, and we think they’re going to love it, especially during a busy travel season.”

Anything that takes the hassle out of flying is a win for travelers, even if it’s just more readily accessible information.

According to BBC News, the law bans any domestic flights covering travel that could be completed in under two-and-a-half hours by train. The new law is significantly less aggressive than the original proposal, which would have banned flights that could be replaced by a four-hour or less train ride.

Critics are saying the final legislation is more symbolic than anything, and doesn’t address the real issues.

“On average, the plane emits 77 times more CO2 per passenger than the train on these routes, even though the train is cheaper and the time lost is limited to 40 minutes,” said French consumer group UFC-Que Choisir. The group had called on lawmakers to uphold the original four-hour proposal.

The group also called for “safeguards that [French national railway] SNCF will not seize the opportunity to artificially inflate its prices or degrade the quality of rail service”.

As BBC News points out, the airline industry is still suffering the effects of the pandemic, with flights still down from pre-pandemic levels. The government was likely concerned about passing overly restrictive measures on an industry that is still trying to recover.

Facial recognition is a controversial topic, with critics saying it unfairly targets minorities and is a privacy nightmare. The TSA and airports have been rolling out facial recognition in various applications, although usually with the option to opt-out.

The TSA is now expanding facial recognition use as a way to speed up checkpoint screening by comparing a person to their passport or ID.

“This technology is valuable because it enhances detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent IDs such as driver’s licenses and passports at a checkpoint and it increases efficiency by automatically verifying a passenger’s identification,” said Christopher Murgia, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Maryland. “This helps ensure that we know who is boarding flights. The system also confirms the passenger’s flight status by verifying that the individual is ticketed to fly out of that airport on that day.”

The TSA says the technology is “self-service,” with passengers able to use it without interacting with a TSA agent.

As with previous facial recognition uses, the TSA told Business Insider that travelers can still opt out and proceed with a standard in-person ID check.