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In a shocking statement, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said that technology will eliminate the need for human drivers. This prediction puts millions of jobs in the ride-hailing industry at risk.
In a world increasingly shaped by technological innovation, traditional professions face unprecedented challenges.
Increasing automation and the development of intelligent systems have transformed several sectors, and urban transport is no exception.
In recent years, the app driver figure has become ubiquitous in Brazilian cities, offering convenience and flexibility to users.
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However, recent statements from industry leaders suggest that this reality may be about to change dramatically.
Uber CEO predicts autonomous vehicle dominance within two decades
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi shared a vision that could redefine the future of urban transportation.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, he stated that, although the company is advancing in the electrification of its fleet, the full adoption of autonomous vehicles will occur in a horizon of 15 to 20 years.
Khosrowshahi highlighted that despite progress, significant challenges remain, including high costs of electric vehicles and the need for adequate charging infrastructure.
Furthermore, the safe and efficient integration of autonomous cars into urban traffic requires time and substantial investments.
Gradual transition: coexistence between human drivers and autonomous vehicles
During this transition period, Khosrowshahi envisions a coexistence of human drivers and autonomous vehicles on Uber's platform.
He emphasizes that despite the excitement surrounding autonomous technology, the complete replacement of drivers will not happen immediately.
“In the next 10 to 20 years, we will have hybrid networks of human drivers and autonomous vehicles,” the executive said.
This hybrid approach aims to ensure the transition is safe and that current drivers have time to adapt to the impending changes.
Impact on the job market: professions at risk of extinction
The potential replacement of human drivers by autonomous vehicles is not an isolated case. Studies indicate that several professions are under threat due to technological advances.
Researchers at the University of Oxford analyzed hundreds of occupations and concluded that activities that do not require sophisticated creative or social skills are the most susceptible to automation.
In Brazil, it is estimated that more than half of current occupations could disappear in the next two decades, significantly affecting the labor market and requiring mass retraining of the workforce.
Challenges for the implementation of autonomous vehicles
Despite predictions, the implementation of autonomous vehicles on a large scale faces considerable obstacles.
Khosrowshahi acknowledges that making self-driving taxis a mainstream reality will take “much, much longer” than initially anticipated.
Challenges include safety issues, logistics related to vehicle maintenance and regulatory inconsistencies between different jurisdictions.
Furthermore, the high cost of autonomous vehicles and the need to ensure efficient utilization represent additional barriers to their mass adoption.
Uber's response to drivers' needs
Aware of the social and economic implications of this transition, Uber has sought to focus on the needs of drivers, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Khosrowshahi highlighted that, before the health crisis, the company may not have given due attention to its employees.
However, the pandemic served as a turning point, prompting Uber to step up its efforts to support and value its drivers, recognizing its crucial importance for the functioning of the platform.
The Future of Work in an Automated World
The rise of autonomous vehicles and other emerging technologies raises profound questions about the future of work.
Professions that rely on repetitive tasks or that can be easily codified are particularly vulnerable.
However, activities that require creativity, empathy and complex social skills tend to remain less susceptible to automation.
This reality highlights the importance of investments in education and professional requalification, preparing workers for roles that value exclusively human skills.
For experts, the prospect of autonomous vehicles replacing app drivers illustrates a broader trend of transformation in the labor market driven by technology.
While innovation promises efficiency and new opportunities, it also presents significant challenges for workers in traditional sectors.
Society, businesses and governments need to collaborate to ensure that the transition to this new era is inclusive, offering support and resources for professionals to adapt and thrive in a constantly evolving environment.
I liked it. It's stressful dealing with drivers
Let autonomous cars be stripped down here in Brazil in the first few months and he'll change his mind.
It's going to be awesome to watch driverless cars get vandalized and looted. Will the software clean the carpets of dirt, shit and **** left by the passenger after they get out of the car? Uber will feel the taste of the maintenance costs. The news about these cars will be hilarious.