Open Source Self-Driving with Comma AI
Autonomous driving is not just a big tech or closed-source game, it's becoming accessible through open innovation and real-world deployment. Dan and Chris sit down with Harald Schäfer, CTO at Comma AI, to explore how OpenPilot is bringing self-driving to everyday vehicles using open source AI. We dive into the intersection of machine learning, robotics, and simulation, including how world models are enabling training at scale and shaping the future of autonomy.
Featuring:
Harald Schäfer – LinkedIn
Chris Benson – Website, LinkedIn, Bluesky, GitHub, X
Daniel Whitenack – Website, GitHub, X
Links:
Comma
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No hype, Just works: How Comma reached 100M miles in autonomous driving | E2011
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Todays show:
Comma’s Harald Schäfer joins Jason to discuss the future of autonomous driving, Comma’s open-source approach (7:24), how camera-based systems stack up against lidar (20:52), self-driving technology developments globally (32:55), and more!
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Comma’s Harald Schäfer joins Jason
(2:02) Comma's approach to self-driving technology
(4:06) Cost, installation, and car manufacturers' reactions to Comma
(6:38) .Tech Domains - Apply for the Jam Session with JCal contest today at https://jamwithjcal.tech
(7:24) Open source and different approaches in autonomous driving
(13:08) Comparing Waymo, Tesla FSD, and comma AI's strategies
(20:52) Lidar vs. camera-based systems in autonomy and the advantages of camera-based systems over human drivers
(24:05) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist
(24:56) Autonomous vehicle rollout timeline and predictions
(27:33) Open source projects and major car manufacturers' adoption
(31:25) Micro1 - Visit https://www.micro1.ai/twist to open a talent search and get a 2 week free trial per hire.
(32:55) Self-driving technology developments in China
(34:25) Tesla's anticipated announcements and AI integration in robotics
(39:48) Accessing and contributing to open-source self-driving projects
(41:01) Data sharing and transparency in autonomous driving
(43:14) Global adoption and demographics of self-driving technology
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X: https://x.com/___harald___
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harald-schäfer-567830132
Check out: https://www.comma.ai
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