Although “Robot Taxis” and driverless trucks have already been implemented and are in the early stages of production, experts predict that by 2026, private driverless cars could also be on the roads, thanks to the rapid advancements in AI and autonomous driving technology. With the rise of onboard data acquisition systems, cars are becoming almost sentient, capable of parking themselves, dropping you off at work, finding a parking space, and picking you up at the end of the day. This futuristic scenario is just around the corner if not already here (robot taxis are being tested as we write these lines), and we need to start considering its implications now.
This shift will undoubtedly change our approach to cars. We’ve already discussed the technology in our glass that supports such services, but it will also transform our operations. We’re used to interacting with humans, albeit sometimes through email communication. But what happens when a car arrives at your fitting shop by itself to have a windscreen replaced? What if it’s the car that books the appointment and not the owner? Additionally, since our business is closely tied to insurance, who will cover what? This new era introduces a complex legal landscape where driver responsibility becomes much more intricate.
In typical scenarios, rules remain unchanged, but what if something happens while the car is driving itself? Who is responsible? Who pays the bill? A new legal framework is emerging, but there will undoubtedly be new and unforeseen situations. Currently, experts suggest that responsibility will be shared between the driver when they are behind the wheel and the OEM, software programmers, and others when the car is driving itself. However, the level of equipment in the car and the available data will play a significant role. For instance, a cracked windscreen could occur while the car is in driverless mode but might be the result of previous reckless driving by the owner.
This scenario has already been experienced by some, where OEM warranties didn’t apply because the car’s data showed previous abuse or misconduct. As our cars generate and store more data, this new reality of coverage could impact our business and how administrative and financial matters are handled. In a rapidly changing world, this could happen sooner than expected, presenting an interesting challenge and a surprising new development in working with driverless cars.