Human factors concern on autonomous vehicles’ safety, ethics and cost saving for the ridesharing industries

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a motivation for full usage of autonomous driving. Many have predicted that autonomous technology would significantly disrupt the transportation industry. This research examines how autonomous driving might impact and disrupt the ridesharing industry and their drivers. The hypothesis is that autonomous vehicles (AV) will negatively impact the ridesharing industry. To examine the full effects of this disruption, we researched current literature on driverless technology cars and the ridesharing industry. Factors examined include: current economics of drivers and vehicles, public perception and acceptance, technological readiness, collaborations, regulations, and liability. Key findings from a host of resources were tabulated to build a case for the proposed hypothesis. The results provide a more comprehensive timeline estimate, predicted $0.75 cost estimate per mile by 2040, and documented the collaboration figure among the players that shows the significant investments across different industries. This research shows that the ridesharing industry’s current business model is due for a significant disruption by autonomous driving capabilities. Drivers in the ridesharing industry might likely suffer the most, however not for at least another decade or so. There are many independent factors, which must be further scrutinized to develop a more comprehensive understanding as to the velocity of this disruption. Findings from this study would be applicable while evaluating the future of autonomous vehicles.