A new startup, Autolane, is aiming to improve the navigation of self-driving cars by developing an “air traffic control” system specifically designed for high-traffic environments like fast-food restaurants and retail locations. Founded by Ben Seidl, the company has secured approximately $7.4 million in funding to address the challenges faced by autonomous vehicles in busy commercial areas.
Seidl explained in an interview with TechCrunch that Autolane is focused on creating infrastructure that helps autonomous vehicles manage pick-up and drop-off operations. This includes not only robotaxis transporting passengers but also delivery vehicles handling groceries and meals. “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,” he stated.
The inspiration for Autolane arose from a viral incident earlier this year when a Waymo robotaxi became stuck in a Chick-fil-A drive-thru. This incident highlighted the complexities of navigating existing road infrastructures designed primarily for human drivers. Seidl emphasized the need for a structured solution, stating, “Someone has got to bring some order to this chaos, and the chaos is already starting.”
Focusing on Retail Environments
Unlike many urban planning initiatives that seek to integrate autonomous vehicles into broader city infrastructures, Autolane is concentrating its efforts on commercial settings. Seidl clarified that the company does not engage with public streets or parking spots. Instead, it aims to provide its services as a business-to-business (B2B) solution for large retailers such as Costco, McDonald’s, and Home Depot.
“We’re just providing these tools as a kind of a hardware-enabled Software as a Service (SaaS) solution so that Simon Property Group, the world’s largest retail real estate investment trust (REIT), can begin to have what I like to refer to as ‘air traffic control for autonomous vehicles,’” Seidl explained. This approach is particularly relevant as businesses seek to enhance their operational efficiency amid growing consumer demand for delivery services.
A Broader Dilemma for Urban Design
The development of Autolane underscores a significant dilemma in urban planning: the need to redesign car-centric suburban landscapes that often prioritize vehicles over pedestrians. While Seidl’s initiative may improve the efficiency of autonomous vehicles in specific contexts, it also raises questions about the future of urban design and whether it should accommodate the needs of self-driving cars or focus on creating more accessible spaces for all individuals.
Ultimately, as the industry continues to evolve, companies like Autolane will play a pivotal role in shaping how autonomous vehicles integrate into existing infrastructures. The challenge remains: how to create environments that are not only friendly to self-driving cars but also inclusive for pedestrians and those without access to vehicles.
