Autonomous Taxis: Should there be something in the driver's seat?

[Volimar]

When companies like Uber get their autonomous fleets deployed, they're going to have a decision to make. Do they put something in the driver's seat like a Johnny Cab from Total Recall or do they leave the space empty? From a practical standpoint it won't make much difference but I wonder if people will be weirded out getting into a car with nothing sitting behind the wheel.

I suppose it would be a good spot for a corporate mascot.

 

[Garp TXB]

Came in for the Johnny Cab gif, but at least you mentioned him.

And yes, I'd want some kind of robot there to chat with

 

[DiipuSurotu]

Nope. More space for passengers!

 

[Eoin]

It won't be a driver's seat. It'll be a passenger seat to increase capacity.

People will be "weirded out" getting into a car without a driver for, like, the first two times, and then it's normal. It's not a feeling that needs a permanent design fix.

 

[HazySaiyan]

There's no other way

 

[Static]

Empty. Nobody needs a mannequin creeping us the fuck out in cab rides, taking up space and adding weight.

 

[Deleted member 2802]

There's no other way

Click to shrink...

 

[Chopchop]

You could have a Johnny Cab, but it would probably be cheaper to just put an integrated screen that's viewable by the back seat, and put some sort of interactive digital cab driver there.

 

[Betelgeuse]

There's no other way

Click to shrink...

And that's that. Thread's over. Pack it up.

 

[Rassilon]

daily reminder for those of you at the back that Johnny Cab was voiced by Robert Picardo

 

[LakeEarth]

Of course not, that's the spot for an extra passenger (and more money).

 

[Deleted member 36135]

There's no other way

Click to shrink...

Thank you

 

[Ferrio]

There's no other way

Click to shrink...

Better than Benny driving I guess.

 

[LProtagonist]

Uh, let me sit there with the steering wheel so I feel like I can have some control over not dying even though the computer will have better reaction times than me.

 

[Deleted member 2317]

Yes, so we can deface it with graffiti like everything else in this world!!1

Better than Benny driving I guess.

Click to shrink...

Hey now, that man has five to kids to feed.

 

[KimiNewt]

Nah, you don't even have to have separated front seats, you could have a connected three seats like in the back row.
It'll be weird for about two seconds, it's like being on the second floor of a double decker bus.

 

[Neece]

No way they pass up the possibility to utilize more space for more passengers and more money.

Edit: Hell they'll probably have some sort of concession stand where you can buy drinks and food, or watch TV.

 

[mbpm]

No. It makes it more difficult for me to hijack the vehicle and get my ass to mars.

 

[ChrisR]

No, because there shouldn't be a "drivers" seat to begin with.

 

[Stellares]

 

[Betelgeuse]

daily reminder for those of you at the back that Johnny Cab was voiced by Robert Picardo

Click to shrink...

That is life-changing information.

Thank you.

 

[RiOrius]

Nah, rear-facing seats. Like, I'm always uncomfortable interacting with people, but it's even worse when we're trying to carry on a conversation with everyone strapped into two rows facing the same direction.