Driverless cars will mean the end of mass car ownership

dbphoenix · Jan 31, 2015

Self-driving cars have the potential to reduce accident rates, make commuting less stressful, save energy, and put a lot of truck and taxi drivers out of work. But it could also have an even bigger consequence: ending personal car ownership altogether. And that would be a good thing. more . . .
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And the ramifications for economies in the US? Japan? Korea? et al?

loyek590 · Jan 31, 2015

oh man, I am there, I use to own my house, now I rent an apartment and I love it. My car is paid off and I only drive about 15 miles per month (everything is within walking distance). But if I could rent a car that would show up on my doorstep I would do it in a minute, even if it cost me a little more.

hfts_james · Jan 31, 2015

i dont trust computers. endless software updates. no such thing as bug-free software. not to forget security, another target for hackers to control your car. that is, you assume your car is not going to connect to the internet. when it does, NSA will track it.

WeToddDid2 · Jan 31, 2015

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/20...e-park-get-hotel-staffed-robots/#.VMnNuGgVglo

Huis Ten Bosch theme park to get hotel staffed by robots

KYODO

NAGASAKI – A hotel with robot staff and face recognition instead of room keys will open this summer in Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki Prefecture, the operator of the theme park said Tuesday.

The two-story Henn na Hotel is scheduled to open July 17. It will be promoted with the slogan “A Commitment for Evolution,” Huis Ten Bosch Co. said.

The name reflects how the hotel will “change with cutting-edge technology,” a company official said. This is a play on words: “Henn” is also part of the Japanese word for change.

Robots will provide porter service, room cleaning, front desk and other services to reduce costs and to ensure comfort.

There will be facial recognition technology so guests can enter their rooms without a key.