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GPT-6 Astra has gained the ability to drive a car

316 points · 251 comments · plurby

  1. valine · · focus · HN ↗
    The bitter lesson is finally coming for the self-driving cars. The vision stack, 3D maps, lane selection grammar, occupancy networks, it’s maybe all about to give way to a single GPT looking at camera feeds and predicting the next steering wheel adjustment.

    It’s mostly a latency problem at this point. The models are too big to run locally, but given that open-weight models like Qwen already exist, an open-weight, low latency equivalent to Astra can’t be too far out.

    1. sebastos · · focus · HN ↗
      As somebody working near the field, I do enjoy the fun of dreaming bespoke vision and autonomy algorithms (if I didn’t, I wouldn’t work in the field to begin with!). But I would drop it all in a heartbeat for a robot that works well. Robust, resilient robots would be such an incredible advance that the ‘how’ doesn’t matter. All of the nonsense from the current AI hype cycle would be worth it if it cashed out in Robots That Actually Work.
      1. SoftTalker · · focus · HN ↗
        Why do we need robots when we already have people?
        1. Marha01 · · focus · HN ↗
          > Why do we need robots when we already have people?

          Is this a serious question? Use your imagination...

          1. SoftTalker · · focus · HN ↗
            To do what people do, but cheaper seems to be what it boils down to.
            1. sejje · · focus · HN ↗
              To do what people do, without exposing humans to harms, dangers, and unnecessary risks.

              Also to do the things humans don't even want to do.

              1. SoftTalker · · focus · HN ↗
                There is a type of person who thrives on risk and danger. Should we say they aren't allowed to work?
                1. sejje · · focus · HN ↗
                  No, but they should probably work for themselves.

                  I don't want them working for my company, at least. I want my workers safe & sound.

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