Have you ever pondered the whereabouts of self-driving taxis when the world settles into slumber? Prepare to be fascinated, as a YouTube channel is here to unveil the mystery. In a captivating livestream since the beginning of the month, software engineer Sophia Tung showcases a San Francisco parking lot rented by Waymo to house their robotaxis during their off hours.
- Waymo Takeover:
- Tung shared via email with The Verge that on July 28th, Waymo “partially” took control of the lot.
- Soon after, they claimed the entire lot to cater to their operations.
- Recently, this tech giant extended its robotaxi service to all in San Francisco.
- The Livestream Setup:
- Setting the stage for curiosity, Tung arranged a livestream equipped with LoFi study beats.
- Utilizing a spare mini PC and a webcam shielded by a cereal box to combat glare, the stage was set.
- Now, at any hour of the day, viewers can peek into the realm of Waymo cars’ activities.
As the screen currently displays a serene lot, with just three parked cars in view, Tung discloses that the action peaks around 4 AM when the lot begins buzzing with an autonomous parking extravaganza, accompanied by occasional honking that lasts for an hour before subsiding.
Waymo spokesperson Chris Bonelli assured The Verge via email that Waymo is addressing issues causing the honking incidents, acknowledging that brief honking may occur during navigation within parking lots. Tung, a vocal advocate of micromobility, believes observers are intrigued by the presence of the cars and while she appreciates their company, resolving the honking predicament remains a priority.
In conclusion, the nocturnal ballet of Waymo cars navigating the parking lot under Sophia Tung’s watchful eye offers a unique peek into the realm of autonomous vehicles at rest. The quest to resolve the honking may be ongoing, but the live spectacle continues to captivate and intrigue viewers.
