The Driverless Digest Podcast

Zoox’s Approach to Scaling Autonomy with Marc Wimmershoff

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/zooxs-approach-to-scaling-autonomy-with-marc-wimmershoff/id1811181944?i=1000767208132], YouTube [https://youtu.be/GiNTlr0UyUg?si=Vi8HoA37VojHj6T0], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6M9zBoXRgRgI8zgFqYAsdA?si=8242cfd18db2441a], and Substack [https://www.thedriverlessdigest.com/p/zooxs-approach-to-scaling-autonomy]. Transcripts are also available by clicking on the “transcripts” button in the top right corner of this post on the app/web version. You can also access them from the email version by clicking here [https://www.thedriverlessdigest.com/p/zooxs-approach-to-scaling-autonomy?showTranscript=true]. In today’s episode, I’m speaking with Marc Wimmershoff [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wimmershoff/], Vice President of Autonomy Software at Zoox. Marc shares his long journey through the autonomous vehicle industry, what has kept him motivated through multiple hype cycles, and why he believes the industry is finally entering a more mature phase of real-world deployment. We also dive into Marc’s role at Zoox and how the company is approaching autonomy differently with its purpose-built robotaxi platform. Marc explains the advantages and tradeoffs of designing a vehicle specifically for autonomous driving, how Zoox is thinking about scaling operations across cities, and why their technical approach stands out compared to other players in the industry. We also discuss the company’s remote operations process, the importance of teleguidance, and what it actually takes to operate autonomous vehicles safely at scale. The conversation also explores the broader competitive landscape in autonomy, including whether there are advantages to being a later mover in the space, how the AV industry structure has evolved over the years, and where foundation models could have the biggest impact on autonomous driving in the near future. Finally, Marc shares what’s next for Zoox as the company continues expanding deployments and working toward larger scale commercialization. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Marc Wimmershoff (01:45) Marc’s background in the AV industry and what’s kept him going for so long (02:35) What phase of the AV development/hype cycle are we in right now? (03:22) How the structure of the AV industry has changed over the years (05:36) Marc’s role at Zoox, and what his team does (07:55) Marc’s advice/pitch for prospective Zoox employees (10:07) Where Zoox is at right now with scaling up (14:05) Where can you ride a Zoox? Current cities and rollout details (17:00) How Zoox’s purpose-built robotaxis give them an advantage in autonomous deployments, and the philosophy behind them (22:30) The biggest advantage of Zoox’s purpose-built robotaxi design (23:00) The challenges with Zoox’s purpose-built robotaxi design (26:54) The importance of Zoox’s remote operation process (teleguidance), and how it works (31:57) Advantages of coming second in autonomy deployments (34:24) Why Zoox’s technical approach stands out: The top-down vs. bottom-up approach (38:10) How foundation models will improve Zoox’s autonomous driving in the near future (42:30) What’s next for Marc and Zoox? (44:20) Conclusions and final thoughts Notes/Links: * You can find Marc on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wimmershoff/]. * Leadership in Focus: Marc Wimmershoff, Vice President, Autonomy Software (link [https://zoox.com/journal/zoox-director-spotlight-marc-wimmershoff-autonomy]). -Harry This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thedriverlessdigest.com [https://www.thedriverlessdigest.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The 'Waymo on Uber' Experience, Feedback From a Power User (Ethan McKanna)

This week’s podcast is brought to you by Terawatt [https://therideshareguy.com/Terawatt] – purpose-built charging for autonomous vehicle fleets. Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-waymo-on-uber-experience-feedback-from-a-power/id1811181944?i=1000766457356], YouTube [https://youtu.be/hYclwGKjA74?si=R8YFRpGyUt6jBp24], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/22IFkzIL3DJzs6mkL5fGvG?si=6d2bb2db452247e5], and Substack [https://www.thedriverlessdigest.com/p/the-waymo-on-uber-experience-feedback]. Transcripts are also available by clicking on the “transcripts” button in the top right corner of this post on the app/web version. You can also access them from the email version by clicking here [https://www.thedriverlessdigest.com/p/the-waymo-on-uber-experience-feedback?showTranscript=true]. In today’s episode, I’m speaking with Ethan McKanna [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanmckanna/], an autonomous vehicle power user, industry observer, and the creator of Robotaxi Tracker [https://robotaxitracker.com/]. Ethan shares how he first got into AVs and what led him to build Robotaxi Tracker as a way to better understand and track real-world AV deployments. We also dive into why Austin has quickly become one of the most important cities for autonomous vehicle rollouts, and what the Waymo on Uber experience actually looks like from a rider’s perspective. Ethan walks through what works well today, what’s missing from the product, and how pricing and availability compare to expectations. We also explore the differences between Waymo’s partnerships with Uber in Austin and Lyft in Nashville, and whether these models are something Waymo is likely to replicate in other markets. The conversation touches on how the product could improve, and what features are still needed. Finally, we zoom out to discuss Uber’s long-term role as an AV demand aggregator, the balance of power between platforms and autonomy companies, and what’s next for Robotaxi Tracker as the space continues to evolve. Our Urban Autonomy Summit [https://luma.com/i471g1zr] is heading to Detroit on June 9, and we’re excited to bring it to the Motor City. We’ve already brought together hundreds of operators, policymakers, and mobility leaders at past events in New York [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/harrygcampbell_our-first-nyc-event-was-a-big-success-standing-activity-7382079594952298497-QriV?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAlbMNEBjlrhOke2Nkx9SxDncEod2ib9wdc] and San Francisco [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/harrygcampbell_big-thanks-to-everyone-who-joined-us-for-activity-7423045262492909568-epa0?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAlbMNEBjlrhOke2Nkx9SxDncEod2ib9wdc], and the conversations have been some of the best we’ve seen anywhere in the AV space. It’s a half-day event with panels, networking, and refreshments/light bites, all focused on what’s actually happening on the ground today with ridehailing, autonomous vehicle deployment, and urban transportation policy, and we’ll have some of the smartest operators and builders in the space joining us. You can RSVP here [https://luma.com/i471g1zr] and if you want a preview of what it’s like, check out our highlights clip [https://youtu.be/wttOugL5iMA?si=Y6i3bS7TMnPQOldA] from SF. Hope to see you there! Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Ethan McKanna and how he got into AVs (04:51) The inspiration behind the creation of Robotaxi Tracker (05:39) Austin gradually becoming the epicenter of AV deployments (06:30) The Waymo on Uber user experience/partnership in Austin (09:39) Missing features in the Waymo on Uber product in Austin (11:51) The customer advantages of the Waymo on Uber product/partnership in Austin, and pricing insights (13:57) How the Waymo-Uber partnership compares to the Waymo-Lyft partnership in Nashville (15:20) Is Waymo likely to repeat their Austin partnership model with Uber in other cities? (16:05) The Waymo-Lyft partnership model in Nashville (19:17) Ways to improve the Waymo product in Austin (22:30) Uber’s future as the AV demand aggregator (27:22) Who needs who more? Uber vs. Waymo (29:40) What’s next for Robotaxi Tracker? (31:30) Conclusion and final thoughts Designing Charging Hubs for Autonomous Fleets We are excited to partner with Terawatt [https://therideshareguy.com/Terawatt], one of the leading providers of charging infrastructure. To learn more about Terawatt’s network of AV charging hubs and track record of 99%+ uptime, reach out to Logan Szidik [https://www.linkedin.com/in/loganszidik/] at lszidik@terawattinfrastructure.com [lszidik@terawattinfrastructure.com] Notes/Links: * You can find Ethan on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanmckanna/] and Twitter/X [https://x.com/ethanmckanna]. * Check out Robotaxi Tracker (link [https://robotaxitracker.com/]). * Ethan’s speech at Ride AI 2026 (link [https://youtu.be/qUEBPBLTdJQ?si=eNjF6mRk2Q71VRwD]). -Harry This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thedriverlessdigest.com [https://www.thedriverlessdigest.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Keep On Rolling: Electrifying, Scaling & Automating The Vehicles of Tomorrow (Curbivore 2026)

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-on-rolling-electrifying-scaling-automating-the/id1811181944?i=1000763812886], YouTube [https://youtu.be/FNrK1nF0SO8?si=sh9-OM9eFkvs8ZVM], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6qVNUwfqqSftuuyDqclNpQ?si=89610049d63440ef], and Substack [https://www.thedriverlessdigest.com/p/keep-on-rolling-electrifying-scaling]. Transcripts are also available by clicking on the “transcripts” button in the top right corner of this post. Join panelists at the just concluded Curbivore conference as they discuss what it takes to electrify, scale, and automate the vehicles of tomorrow, and the key systems supporting autonomy as deployments expand. This panel featured Aileen Zhong [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aileen-zhong-78336939/] (Director of Government Affairs, Starship Technologies [https://www.starship.xyz/]), Will Graylin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wgraylin/] (CEO & Chairman, indiGOtech [https://indigotech.com/]), Nick Allen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasjallen/] (Head of AV/Mobility Solutions, TaskUs [https://www.taskus.com/]), John McLean [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmclean/] (Head of Market Development, Voltera [http://volterapower.com/]), and Ed Walker [https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardbwalker/] (Senior Vice President, Hub International [http://www.hubinternational.com/]), and was moderated by Lloyd Lee [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydylee/] (Reporter, Business Insider [https://www.businessinsider.com/]). The conversation explores the infrastructure backbone enabling autonomy, from charging and fleet support to the human-in-the-loop systems that underpin AV safety today. It also covers key regulatory hurdles in cities, barriers to deploying sidewalk robots, and the most important metrics for early pilot programs. Panelists discuss how insurability evolves with scale, including the role of real-world versus simulated miles, how remote assistance may shift globally, and how risk and compliance frameworks change as drivers are removed. The discussion also touches on labor dynamics, the infrastructure versus scale “chicken-and-egg” challenge, public and regulatory perception, and which pieces of the ecosystem will have the biggest impact on AV growth in the coming years. Curbivore [https://curbivore.co/] 2026 brought together leaders across autonomy, delivery, and mobility in downtown Los Angeles for a full day of panels, firesides, exhibitions, and street food, focused on the ideas shaping the future of the curb and cities. You can check out the highlights clip here [https://youtu.be/SsOLqwpRvNA?si=LwgokG7L1OQLvvp8] to get a feel for the event, and we’ve curated recordings of the panels, firesides, and speeches here [https://curbivore.co/program/]. Also check out hundreds of our event photos here [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/9ej88n33r3o1hjcp6ca27/ABWHoE9iB2XkooBAZW9REzQ?rlkey=2z7pqzm116wddmlnggifhylcx&e=2&st=ztp11s3n&dl=0]. We’re bringing that same energy to our next Urban Autonomy Summit [https://youtu.be/jucnR6w9PYk?si=t5TLfuJeyQOTplmm] in Detroit on June 9. After that, we’ll be in Austin this fall and back in San Francisco in the winter for our next series of AV summits. Chapters (00:00) Introduction and overview (03:45) The backbone that makes autonomy work and the infrastructure layer (09:45) The human-in-the-loop layer behind AV safety (11:04) Regulatory hurdles facing autonomous vehicle deployments in cities (14:05) Barriers to deploying sidewalk robots in major cities (15:37) The most critical metrics for AV pilot deployments (19:03) Key requirements for autonomous fleets to ensure insurability at scale (22:09) How physical vs. simulated miles impact AV fleet insurability (23:23) How human-in-the-loop systems will evolve as AVs scale (25:05) Overseas remote assistance for autonomous vehicles (27:34) How risk and compliance dynamics change as drivers are removed (30:34) Balancing labor concerns with scaling autonomy (33:06) The “chicken and egg” problem of infrastructure vs. scaling (36:20) Regulator and public perception of AVs today (40:22) Which infrastructure pieces will most impact AV scaling, and how insurance may evolve - Harry This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thedriverlessdigest.com [https://www.thedriverlessdigest.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Urban Autonomy in America: What’s Real & What’s Next (Curbivore 2026)

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/urban-autonomy-in-america-whats-real-whats-next-curbivore/id1811181944?i=1000763799534], YouTube [https://youtu.be/0FyBhqwh14I?si=c_7xdVo0Cj268oqB], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4FiLepGaVDg8I3C1v7eaJv?si=fee5b358562e480f], and Substack [https://www.thedriverlessdigest.com/p/urban-autonomy-in-america-whats-real]. Transcripts are also available by clicking on the “transcripts” button in the top right corner of this post. Join panelists at the just concluded Curbivore conference as they discuss how autonomy has progressed over the last few years, the challenges the industry still faces, and what it will take to accelerate progress as AV services begin to scale. This panel featured Pat Tsen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shao-pat-tsen/] (Deputy Executive Director, California Public Utilities Commission [https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/]), Phillip Pierce [https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipppierce/] (City Policy Lead, Zoox [https://zoox.com/]), Jon Miller [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-miller-240243a7/] (Chief Business Officer, Nexar [https://www.nexar-ai.com/]), Ashwini Anburajan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aanburajan/] (CEO, Obi [https://rideobi.com/]), and Aaron Park [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robotisinc/] (Chief Business Development Officer, Robotis [http://www.robotis.com/]), and was moderated by Alan Ohnsman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-ohnsman-02279610/] (Senior Editor, Forbes [https://www.forbes.com/]). The conversation explores how AV deployments are evolving in real-world environments, including Zoox’s current rollout and safety approach, the regulatory and operational hurdles that remain, and how agencies like the CPUC are handling approvals and data reporting. It also covers early pricing dynamics and consumer perception, how companies like Nexar support AV safety as services scale, the growing role of autonomous robotics and emerging use cases, and how industry players can better align to standardize testing, improve edge case readiness, and support safe, scalable growth. Curbivore [https://curbivore.co/] 2026 brought together leaders across autonomy, delivery, and mobility in downtown Los Angeles for a full day of panels, firesides, exhibitions, and street food, focused on the ideas shaping the future of the curb and cities. You can check out the highlights clip here [https://youtu.be/SsOLqwpRvNA?si=LwgokG7L1OQLvvp8] to get a feel for the event, and we’ve curated recordings of the panels, firesides, and speeches here [https://curbivore.co/program/]. Also check out hundreds of our event photos here [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/9ej88n33r3o1hjcp6ca27/ABWHoE9iB2XkooBAZW9REzQ?rlkey=2z7pqzm116wddmlnggifhylcx&e=2&st=ztp11s3n&dl=0]. We’re bringing that same energy to our next Urban Autonomy Summit [https://youtu.be/jucnR6w9PYk?si=t5TLfuJeyQOTplmm] in Detroit on June 9. After that, we’ll be in Austin this fall and back in San Francisco in the winter for our next series of AV summits. Chapters (00:00) Introduction, and overview (06:25) Zoox’s current AV deployment position and the challenges so far (08:51) Steps to a more harmonized system of approval for robotaxis (Federal and state), and the CPUC’s place in this system (12:40) How the CPUC handles data reporting for AV companies in the testing phase, and what qualifies as an autonomous vehicle deployment (14:40) Early pricing trends, and customer perception insights in current robotaxi deployments (21:30) Zoox’s approach to safety and how they handle edge cases (24:20) How Nexar supports AV companies and their safety cases as services begin to scale (30:40) How the autonomous robotics market is developing and how their use cases are evolving. (34:58) Standardizing AV testing and validation, and how to better prepare for edge cases (42:30) Consumer perception of AVs/pricing and how it has evolved (46:20) Projections for the future of autonomy - Harry This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thedriverlessdigest.com [https://www.thedriverlessdigest.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Meet Dot: DoorDash’s Accelerated Autonomous Local Commerce Solution (Curbivore 2026)

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-dot-doordashs-accelerated-autonomous-local-commerce/id1811181944?i=1000763799337], YouTube [https://youtu.be/dJ9mmRbXs9g?si=BYhw-lYMF6aW84xA], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6PbPOQqQaU0hSBJxTg3Dwu?si=f0562d4086d04782], and Substack [https://www.thedriverlessdigest.com/p/meet-dot-doordashs-accelerated-autonomous]. Transcripts are also available by clicking on the “transcripts” button in the top right corner of this post. Join Harry and Harrison Shih [https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisonshih/], Senior Director at DoorDash Labs [https://labs.doordash.com/], DoorDash for a fireside chat from the recently concluded Curbivore conference. They dive into DoorDash’s push into autonomy, with a focus on their latest delivery robot, DOT, and how it fits into a broader shift toward multimodal delivery. The conversation covers everything from the timing behind automation to how cities, consumers, and logistics networks are evolving alongside it. They also unpack where DOT fits within DoorDash’s ecosystem, how the company collaborates with cities, and what real-world use cases are emerging today versus what’s coming next. Curbivore [https://curbivore.co/] 2026 brought together leaders across autonomy, delivery, and mobility in downtown Los Angeles for a full day of panels, firesides, exhibitions, and street food, focused on the ideas shaping the future of the curb and cities. You can check out the highlights clip here [https://youtu.be/SsOLqwpRvNA?si=LwgokG7L1OQLvvp8] to get a feel for the event, and we’ve curated recordings of the panels, firesides, and speeches here [https://curbivore.co/program/]. Also check out hundreds of our event photos here [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/9ej88n33r3o1hjcp6ca27/ABWHoE9iB2XkooBAZW9REzQ?rlkey=2z7pqzm116wddmlnggifhylcx&e=2&st=ztp11s3n&dl=0]. We’re bringing that same energy to our next Urban Autonomy Summit [https://youtu.be/jucnR6w9PYk?si=t5TLfuJeyQOTplmm] in Detroit on June 9. After that, we’ll be in Austin this fall and back in San Francisco in the winter for our next series of AV summits. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (00:40) Harrison’s background and the philosophy behind DoorDash Labs (02:29) DOT robot specs and design philosophy (04:00) Why now is the right moment for delivery automation (04:59) DOT’s role in a multimodal delivery ecosystem (07:10) How DoorDash works with cities to automate delivery (10:15) Problems autonomy solves in delivery (12:32) Key use cases for DOT (14:00) Consumer behavior trends in delivery (15:44) The “other half” of the delivery equation, alongside autonomy (19:37) How autonomous delivery evolves in cities over time - Harry This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thedriverlessdigest.com [https://www.thedriverlessdigest.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]