Don't Get in a Crash in a Cybercab(schwarztech.net)
29 pointsby speckx4 hours ago4 comments
  • jdietrich2 hours ago
    Every manufacturer of hybrid and electric vehicles provides this level of detailed information to first responders. For example, here's the 36 page emergency response guide for the Ford Maverick:

    https://www.ford.com/acslibs/content/dam/na/ford/en_us/image...

    Even conventional vehicles get at least a rescue sheet illustrating the location of hazards like the fuel tank, airbag inflators and seatbelt pre-tensioners.

  • kazinatoran hour ago
    If you're opening a damaged door from which a preloaded spring can pop out, this is probably dangerous to someone in the vehicle next to that door. You are on the outside of the door, the hinge mechanisms are inside. So what good is you wearing PPE ...
  • an hour ago
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  • guywithahat3 hours ago
    > After a safety critical event, the doors are designed to automatically unlock.

    Is this an issue? It seems like a good thing. The article also points out something unique the tesla does, other cars generally don't

    > If a Cybercab Robotaxi is in the roadway or in a dangerous position, first responders can manually move the vehicle using on-board vehicle controls. .... First responders requesting assistance with moving a vehicle must be in uniform and must be ready to present their badge or official identification to the camera on the vehicle B-pillar. A Tesla representative can then verify the first responder’s identity and grant access to the vehicle controls.

    This is cool; because with most cars you can't do anything. Now, they can present their badge in uniform and a remote operator can help move the car if need be. Most cars would have to be dragged.

    The author then ends with this point

    > It’s wild to me that something like this is allowed on the roads with the assumption that first responders will have to take time to learn how it’s different.

    Which seems to be referring to the unique ability to move the car, which other cars don't have. If they don't know about this ability, they just treat it like any other car. I don't see what the issue is. Everything else is EV specific (like don't cut through the floor), which is general EV knowledge.

    • Tanocan hour ago
      The issue with just "Flash a badge" is that it can easily be exploited in several ways. Municipal police badges don't have digital identifiers on them in the U.S. A high enough resolution resin 3D printer could have you a close enough approximation that the quality of the camera wouldn't be able to distinguish. Not to mention this would allow negatively motivated officers to be able to hijack vehicles, either in the case of preventing someone from being able to flee a dangerous situation or in order to use the vehicle to their own ends such as creating a roadblock. In whatever case it gives the police (or someone imitating them) and unaccountable-at-the-moment tool to use.

      Even someone with a Flipper Zero could likely get into the thing and fling it around like a giant R/C toy.

    • pavel_lishin2 hours ago
      > because with most cars you can't do anything.

      With most cars, if they're capable of being driven, you get inside, turn on the engine, and operate it with the steering wheel and pedals.

    • cma2 hours ago
      The vast majority of major global automakers program their vehicles to automatically unlock the doors immediately following a severe crash. I think they just weren't eliding the context and posting the full notes, not as criticism of this: nowhere in the commentary mentions it.

      > Which seems to be referring to the unique ability to move the car, which other cars don't have.

      Most cars with keys in the ignition/keyfob in the car after a crash have the ability to be moved if they are still operational (a requirement of this one too). I'm not sure about Waymo, the Jaguar one does still have a physical steering column though and isn't fully drive by wire.