Beyond the Hype: Real Needs and Hidden Gaps in the Rise of Autonomous Vehicles

As self-driving cars quietly integrate into our streets, an entirely new layer of infrastructure—and opportunity—is emerging beneath the surface.

Photo by gibblesmash asdf on Unsplash

Walking through Santa Monica recently, I was struck by the sheer number of Waymo's autonomous vehicles cruising the streets. It felt like the future had already arrived. But what struck me even more wasn't just the presence of these cars—it was the ripple effects they’re beginning to create. With every major shift, t…