In Tempe, Arizona, it's already 6 p.m., and the sky is 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 has taken over the lane. These cars are part of a dedicated testing zone designed to evaluate autonomous technology.
At this moment, an SUV comes to a stop at a red light. The driver’s window rolls down, letting in a cool breeze that contrasts with the evening heat. Inside the cabin, a man sits, looking as uninterested as any regular driver. But he’s not really driving. This Volvo is fully autonomous, part of Uber’s ongoing project to develop self-driving technology.
His hand rests casually on his thigh, and though he’s seated inside the car, he might as well be waiting for a bus. In 5 or 25 years, many people may have the ability to simply tell their car where to go. While this could reduce the stress and burden of driving, it also raises new questions about how we live and interact with technology. For now, the age of self-driving cars feels more like a distant dream than a reality. Concepts from big companies, tech predictions, and even real-world trials still seem far off from everyday life.
However, what I witnessed in Tempe wasn’t just a test or a video. It was real—happening in a city far from Silicon Valley. The scene felt like something from the future, yet it was happening in plain sight.
The image above shows the potential impact of self-driving cars on urban life. Right now, few people express much concern about autonomous vehicles. Beyond the technological implications, we must also consider how they will shape our cities and daily routines. Once the initial surprise fades, these vehicles may change the very fabric of urban life in ways we haven’t yet considered.
Uber isn’t the only player in the autonomous driving space. Companies like Waymo and Tesla are strong competitors. But Uber moved quickly, relocating its testing operations to Tempe after facing regulatory challenges in California. This isn’t the first time a company has tested in a smaller city—Google previously tested in Mountain View before moving to Central Valley. Similarly, Uber had been testing in Pittsburgh, leveraging local talent from Carnegie Mellon University.
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has been supportive of ride-sharing and autonomous vehicles, making the state an attractive location for companies like Uber. According to Uber, real-world testing is crucial for refining their technology. In Tempe, human operators monitor the process, helping identify areas where the system needs improvement.
These operators aren’t called drivers—they’re referred to as “laborators†or “operators.†Some used to be regular Uber drivers, but now they undergo training to work in the self-driving vehicle cockpit. Their role is to observe, intervene when necessary, and ensure safety.
Inside one of the autonomous cars, a technician holds a notebook, tracking real-time data collected by the car’s sensors. The laser radar scans the environment, and the onboard computer processes the information. When obstacles appear, the screen turns red, signaling a potential hazard.
Despite the promise of self-driving technology, public trust remains low. Any mistake is heavily scrutinized. In March, an Uber self-driving car was involved in a collision in Tempe, even though the incident wasn’t caused by the autonomous system. Still, it sparked widespread media coverage. Similar incidents in Las Vegas recently were reported as collisions, despite being minor.
This kind of reaction can be frustrating. The “trolley problem†is more philosophical than practical, and it shouldn’t dictate how we view autonomous systems. Yet, standing near a massive truck controlled by a computer, the situation feels more complex than just a moral dilemma.
The design of Uber’s self-driving car is sleek and non-threatening. Its dark gray exterior features a subtle urban grid pattern on the back door, and the word “Uber†is clearly visible. The laser radar, mounted on top, adds a futuristic touch. The overall look is both stylish and safe, reflecting the brand value of Volvo.
On a sunny afternoon, the sky is clear, and the buildings are low, framed by palm trees. Light casts sharp shadows, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. As an Uber self-driving car crosses the street, a beam of sunlight catches it, drawing attention from everyone around.
Tempe’s suburban roads are ideal for testing self-driving cars. Unlike cities like New York or San Francisco, where walking and public transport are common, Tempe is a car-centric place. With vast open spaces and extreme heat, pedestrians often find walking uncomfortable, while cars dominate the landscape.
Uber’s self-driving initiative has faced criticism in the past, including allegations of harassment and corporate misconduct. Yet, on the streets of Tempe, the cars seem harmless, moving slowly and blending in with other traffic. They’re not symbols of greed but rather part of the city’s evolving transportation scene.
Later, 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 shops, making it a perfect spot for testing self-driving cars.
I asked a waiter if she had ever tried Uber’s self-driving car. She said no, because she was scared. But when I explained that there was a human operator in the car, her attitude changed slightly. “Maybe I’ll try it,†she said.
She mentioned Tesla’s new initiatives in Scottsdale, but it was clear that the concept of self-driving cars was still confusing to many.
As I left the restaurant, I saw a grey Uber self-driving car pass by. It moved smoothly, almost like a robot following a routine. In that moment, I couldn’t help but think about the future—and whether it would truly be as smooth as it seemed.
I opened my fortune cookie and read: “Nothing will happen in the future.†It made me smile. Maybe it was just a joke, but in a world full of uncertainty, sometimes the simplest words feel the most meaningful.
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