A new startup, Autolane, is creating an “air traffic control” system to assist self-driving cars navigating the often chaotic environments of American roads, particularly around fast-food restaurants and retail locations. Founded by Ben Seidl, the company aims to enhance the efficiency of autonomous vehicle pick-up and drop-off services. With a recent funding round raising $7.4 million from venture capital firms, Autolane is positioned to tackle the challenges that arise as autonomous vehicle technology advances.
In a recent interview with TechCrunch, Seidl explained that Autolane is not developing the vehicles themselves but is instead focused on building infrastructure to streamline operations for autonomous fleets. This includes coordinating various types of cargo, from passengers in robotaxis to groceries and meals for delivery. Seidl noted, “We are simply saying, as this industry balloons rapidly and has exponential growth… someone is going to have to sit in the middle and orchestrate, coordinate, and kind of evaluate what’s going on.”
Seidl’s inspiration for Autolane came from a notable incident earlier this year involving a Waymo robotaxi that became stuck in a Chick-fil-A drive-thru. This event highlighted the complexities that autonomous vehicles face in navigating environments designed primarily for human drivers. Seidl emphasized the need for structured management in the current landscape, stating, “Someone has got to bring some order to this chaos, and the chaos is already starting.”
Focus on Retail Environments
Autolane’s strategy is specifically tailored to retail environments rather than urban planning initiatives. Seidl clarified that the company does not engage with public streets or parking spots. Instead, it offers a Business-to-Business (B2B) hardware-enabled Software as a Service (SaaS) solution for businesses such as Costco, McDonald’s, and Simon Property Group, the world’s largest retail real estate investment trust. This targeted approach aims to facilitate real-time coordination of autonomous vehicles at high-traffic locations.
By providing tools for businesses to manage incoming and outgoing autonomous vehicles, Autolane envisions a future where fast-food chains and large retail stores can operate more efficiently. Seidl referred to this capability as “air traffic control for autonomous vehicles,” emphasizing its potential to alleviate congestion and improve service speed.
Challenges in Urban Design
Despite the innovative approach of Autolane, the underlying challenges of America’s car-centric infrastructure remain largely unaddressed. As urban planners have suggested, a fundamental redesign of suburban landscapes could better accommodate both human pedestrians and autonomous vehicles. The current focus on traffic management for fast-food outlets, while practical, raises questions about the broader implications for urban development and mobility.
In conclusion, while Autolane is poised to play a significant role in the emerging market for autonomous vehicle coordination, the company’s emphasis on specific retail environments reflects a gap in larger discussions about urban design. As the autonomous vehicle industry continues to evolve, the need for comprehensive solutions that address both operational efficiency and urban planning will become increasingly critical.
