What’s happening
Robotaxis, autonomous trucks and delivery robots are operating in limited areas, mostly separately. City systems, insurance and infrastructure are not yet designed around them.
Timing: LATER — roughly 7–15 years before this becomes structural.
Why it matters
Connected autonomy could reshape cities — less parking, different traffic patterns, new logistics — and change industries from insurance to real estate.
What would make it real
- Cities plan roads, curbs and parking for autonomous fleets
- Shared data standards between vehicles and infrastructure
- Insurance models built for fleets rather than individual drivers
What would kill it
- Autonomy stays confined to a few cities and routes
- Public backlash after accidents
- Fragmented regulation across regions