Tempe, Arizona, is now six o’clock in the evening, and the sky has already turned dark. A five-lane road is packed with traffic, and I’m right in the middle of it. The reason for the congestion? A group of self-driving vehicles is occupying the lane, all part of a special testing area designed for autonomous cars. These vehicles are not just prototypes—they’re being tested in real-world conditions to prepare for a future where driving might no longer require human intervention.
At this moment, an SUV comes to a stop at a red light. The driver’s window rolls down slightly, letting in a cool breeze that contrasts with the heat of the day. Inside the cab, a man sits quietly, looking bored—just like most drivers would. But he’s not really driving. He’s an operator monitoring the vehicle, which is fully autonomous. This particular car is part of Uber’s ongoing project to develop self-driving technology, and it’s one of many such tests happening across the U.S.
His hand rests casually on his thigh, and though he’s inside the car, he seems more like a pedestrian waiting for something to happen. In the next few years, it’s likely that most people will be able to summon a self-driving car and let it take them wherever they need to go. While this could reduce the stress and danger of driving, it may also introduce new challenges—like redefining our relationship with transportation and urban life.
Despite these possibilities, the era of fully autonomous vehicles still feels distant. It exists more in the imagination than in reality. Big companies talk about it, scientists predict it, but for most people, it remains a futuristic concept. For now, it’s hard to imagine a world where we don’t have to drive ourselves.
But in Tempe, this future isn’t just a vision—it’s happening. This isn’t a lab or a promotional video. It’s not in San Francisco or Silicon Valley. It’s in a city far from the tech epicenter, where the presence of self-driving cars is becoming increasingly common.
The impact of autonomous vehicles on cities is still unclear. Beyond the technological and environmental effects, there’s a deeper question: how will these vehicles change the daily rhythm of urban life? As people grow used to them, they may start to see the world differently—perhaps even lose their sense of wonder.
In the race for autonomous driving, Uber is not the leader. Companies like Google’s Waymo and Tesla have been ahead for years. But Uber has pushed forward quickly, moving its test operations to places like Tempe after facing regulatory hurdles in California. Other companies, like Google, have done similar things before, shifting their tests to smaller cities where the rules are more flexible.
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has been supportive of shared mobility services, especially Uber. When he opened the door for the company, Uber was quick to respond. The state’s welcoming attitude has made it a hub for testing self-driving technology.
Uber emphasizes that real-world testing is crucial for improving autonomous systems. In Tempe, operators help identify where the technology needs refinement, especially when it comes to user experience and safety concerns. These operators aren’t called drivers; they're referred to as "laborators" or "operators." Some were once regular Uber drivers, and they undergo training before taking on this role.
Their job is both challenging and rewarding. They watch the car as it navigates the streets, ready to intervene if needed. It's a strange mix of automation and human oversight—like being an observer in a world that's slowly changing.
Inside the car, the operator uses a tablet to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. The car collects data through laser radar, and the onboard computer processes it in real time. The screen shows the environment, turning red when obstacles are detected. It’s a glimpse into the future, where machines make decisions based on complex algorithms.
Despite the progress, self-driving cars are still seen as experimental. Any mistake can lead to public scrutiny. In March, an Uber self-driving car in Tempe was involved in an accident, colliding with another vehicle. Though no one was seriously hurt, the incident sparked widespread media coverage and raised questions about the safety of autonomous technology.
Even minor incidents are treated as major events. Last week, a self-driving shuttle in Las Vegas had a small collision with a reversing truck. Despite the minimal damage, some outlets reported it as a crash. This kind of reaction makes it harder for the technology to gain public trust.
The design of the Uber self-driving car is sleek and unthreatening. Its dark gray exterior, paired with a subtle abstract pattern on the back, gives it a calm, almost friendly appearance. The "Uber" logo is placed discreetly, and the laser radar looks almost artistic with its white round casing and black components. The Volvo SUV itself adds a sense of safety and reliability, reinforcing the brand’s reputation.
As the sun rises high, the sky is clear, and the buildings and palm trees cast long shadows. The contrast between light and shade creates a dreamlike atmosphere. A self-driving Uber passes by, catching everyone’s attention as it glides smoothly through the street.
The roads in Tempe reflect the broader American landscape—wide, multi-lane streets that are ideal for testing autonomous vehicles. Unlike cities like New York or San Francisco, where walking and public transport are common, Tempe is a car-centric place. Even with bike lanes, many people prefer to ride on sidewalks due to the extreme heat. For locals, the city is a paradise for drivers, where cars dominate the streets.
Uber’s self-driving project highlights the growing influence of cars in everyday life. While the company has faced internal issues—like harassment allegations and corporate controversies—on the streets of Tempe, its self-driving cars seem harmless, moving slowly and blending in with the traffic.
One day, I sat at PF Chang’s, a popular Chinese restaurant, and watched the intersection of Mill Avenue and University Drive. The area is filled with restaurants and cafes, making it a perfect spot for testing self-driving cars. I asked a young waiter if she had ever considered using Uber’s self-driving service. She said no, out of fear. But when I explained that there was a human operator in the car, her hesitation eased.
She mentioned Tesla’s new plans in Scottsdale, but it wasn’t clear why she brought it up. For many, the world of autonomous vehicles is confusing and full of uncertainty. Still, the sight of self-driving cars passing by every day is becoming more normal.
Later, I tried to hail a self-driving Uber, but it took time and effort. I stood on the sidewalk, waving my hand, hoping to catch one. Eventually, my phone notified me that a driver had picked up a passenger. I canceled the order and tried again, only to be ignored by the cars.
Eventually, I gave up and walked away, thinking about the future. As I left, I opened a fortune cookie and read, “Nothing will happen in the future.†It felt oddly reassuring. Maybe the future isn’t as dramatic as we think. Maybe it’s just a quiet shift, one car at a time.
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