A Lyft exec says robotaxis could create a big new opportunity for gig workers

"The hybrid world of that future might be that the driver is the owner of the vehicle that they are able to put on the platform,"

"generate income around the clock"

"is going to be a real issue"

Ride-hailing drivers may transition into owners of autonomous robotaxis that operate on platforms like Lyft. Lyft has partnerships with self-driving companies, including a recent deal with startup Tensor to enable consumer-owned autonomous vehicles to appear on the Lyft app and generate income continuously for owners. Many current drivers worry that wider deployment of self-driving cars could reduce earnings and eventually replace human drivers. Rival firms including Uber are piloting robotaxis through partnerships such as Waymo. Demand for human drivers performing special tasks, like loading heavy luggage, may persist even as autonomous fleets expand.

Read at Business Insider