MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — On a sunlit afternoon that felt more like a blockbuster comedy than a tech demo, two lifelong friends in their eighties took their very first ride in a self-driving car and delivered reactions that melted hearts across the internet. What started as a test of autonomous technology quickly became one of the most delightfully relatable moments of the year.
Veteran Kenny and his buddy Jerry, both in their eighties, were more curious than cautious as they waited on the curb for a sleek white Waymo vehicle to roll up. The were expecting an Uber. When it arrived, Kenny examined the car from the odd sensor on top to the front fascia, and confidently declared it to be a “Jaguar.” “Oh my goodness, you got a Jaguar?” he asked, proving that even seasoned car lovers can know luxury when they see it.
Where’s the Guy?
But the real magic happened once the door opened and the duo entered and realized there was no driver behind the wheel. Eyes widened. Mouths hung open. Jerry, who is deaf, signed frantically, “Where’s Jenny?” while Kenny called out, “Wha? Where is the guy?” Confirmations that this was no ordinary ride were met with equal parts joy and complete bewilderment. “The guy,” of course, is the driver — except there was none.
An automated voice gently welcomed the group and announced their destination as the Xanadu Coffee Company. Kenny immediately turned to Amanda, who had invited them along, and asked with mock panic whether she trusted this “thing” to get them there. “Amanda, do you trust this?” he asked excitedly as both men buckled up.
Then, just when everyone thought they might actually drive off into the future, Kenny shouted with glee as the steering wheel began to turn all on its own…