Waymo's Got a Groovy Problem Baby: Doors Ajar and Gig Workers to the Rescue

• Waymo partners with DoorDash in Atlanta to pay gig workers for closing open doors on its autonomous vehicles.
• This initiative underscores the current limitations of self-driving technology, requiring human intervention for basic tasks.
• Waymo also uses Honk, a roadside assistance company, to handle door closures and maintenance.
• Despite advancements and a valuation of $126 billion, Waymo's Other Bets segment recorded a significant operating loss last year.

Shagadelic Solution: DoorDash to the Rescue Baby

Alright, groovy cats and kittens, Austin Powers here, reporting live from my shaguar! Seems Waymo, those cats with the self-driving cars, have hit a bit of a snag. Imagine, these souped-up rides can navigate streets, but can't quite handle a simple open door. That's right, baby! When a passenger leaves a door ajar, these metal marvels just sit there, like they're waiting for Mini-Me to give them a push. And that's where DoorDash comes in. Yeah, those delivery folks are now getting paid to be door closers. It's like a scene from Goldmember, but instead of painting someone's yoo-hoo gold, they're just shutting a door. Very important work, very important indeed.

Human Touch: Still Needed in This Automated World, Yeah Baby

This whole situation is like a mojo check, baby. It reminds us that even with all the fancy gadgets and gizmos, we still need a human touch. Waymo's reliance on people for simple tasks shows that even the most advanced autonomous technologies still require costly human intervention for some basic operations. It's like when I tried to cook a romantic dinner for a lovely lady and ended up setting the kitchen on fire. Sometimes you just need a professional, baby! Speaking of professional, have you read AI Capex Explosion Who's Got the Golden Carrot This really is an AI arms race and there are huge costs involved in being a leader. The amount of investment in AI required is truly mind blowing!

Honk If You Need a Door Closed, Baby

But DoorDash isn't the only one lending a hand, oh no! Waymo is also using Honk, an independent roadside assistance company, to close those pesky doors. So, if you see a Waymo stranded with an open door, just honk! And maybe call Honk. And collect your twenty-four dollars, baby, yeah!

The Price of Progress: More Than Just Shillings and Pence

Now, all this high-tech wizardry doesn't come cheap. Waymo's valued at $126 billion, which is more than all the Austin Powers movies combined (adjusting for inflation, of course, groovy). But Alphabet's Other Bets segment, which includes Waymo, recorded a hefty operating loss last year. Seems like solving big problems costs big bucks, baby! It's like trying to build a time machine out of spare parts – you might need a few more quid than you thought.

Next-Gen Robotaxis: Coming to a Street Near You, Groovy

But fear not, my fellow travelers! Waymo is pushing ahead with its next-generation robotaxis. They're deploying these bad boys in more U.S. markets, hoping to extend their lead in the self-driving game. Who knows, maybe one day these cars will learn to close their own doors. Until then, it's up to the DoorDash and Honk crew to keep things moving. It's like a beautiful dance, baby! A dance of technology and human ingenuity.

A Word From Austin: Stay Shagadelic, Baby

So, there you have it, folks! Waymo's door dilemma, solved with a little help from their friends. It's a reminder that even in the age of AI, we still need each other. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date with a Swedish fembot. Yeah, baby!