‘Driverless cars are the hardest problem you could want to solve’ – Oxa’s Gavin Jackson

Driverless cars have made their debut in San Francisco, where regulators recently granted permission for two companies to operate driverless taxi services within the city. Despite this development, Gavin Jackson, the British CEO of the autonomous car company Oxa, suggests that the ultimate goal of completely autonomous vehicles that can navigate anywhere without human intervention may still be a decade or more away.

According to Jackson, creating vehicles that can operate autonomously anywhere is an incredibly complex challenge due to the limitless variables involved. Jackson, speaking during a lunch interview in London, emphasizes the immense difficulty of solving this problem.

Significant investments are being poured into the autonomous car sector. Venture capitalists invested $3.2 billion into the sector in the year leading up to April. However, Jackson’s perspective, while some might consider it cautious, revolves around realism. Oxa, formerly known as Oxbotica, has adopted a practical approach, focusing on controlled environments such as petrochemical refineries, mines, and factories for their autonomous technology.

While some industry experts predict full autonomy is imminent, Oxa’s approach is grounded in tackling challenges incrementally and ensuring robust solutions. The company is on the cusp of deploying its technology for paying customers, including driverless shuttle buses and a turnkey autonomous vehicle product for mass transit.

Oxa’s efforts are in contrast to the “Uber effect” of widespread autonomous deployment. Jackson’s approach is pragmatic, considering the complexity and vastness of the challenge. The company’s realism shines through its emphasis on practical applications in controlled scenarios, rather than pushing for premature full autonomy.

The autonomous car industry is evolving rapidly, but Oxa’s approach highlights the importance of measured progress and realistic expectations. While many anticipate a swift transition to fully autonomous vehicles, Oxa’s focus on solving challenges in real-world scenarios underscores the complexity and time required for achieving widespread autonomous operation.

Gavin Jackson’s journey to the forefront of the autonomous car industry is also noteworthy. Despite facing challenges in his early life, Jackson’s determination and unique path led him to senior positions at major technology companies. His experience and practical perspective now drive Oxa’s strategic approach in the race toward autonomy.