Uber’s annual Lost and Found Index revealed some interesting items left behind in robotaxis over the past year. From a unicorn Beanie Baby to a 15-pound green bowling ball to a pair of dentures, the list of forgotten items is quite diverse. This year, Uber expanded its Lost and Found Index to include self-driving cars, as the company now has enough autonomous vehicles on its platform to make a significant impact.
While Uber doesn’t operate its own fleet of robotaxis, it serves as a hub for various driverless car companies looking to reach Uber’s vast customer base. Companies like Waymo in Austin and Atlanta, Motional in Las Vegas, and Avride in Dallas have all utilized Uber’s platform for their robotaxi services. Despite robotaxis only accounting for less than 1 percent of Uber’s total trips, they have still managed to make it onto the Lost and Found Index.
Regardless of whether a human or a robot is behind the wheel, passengers tend to leave items behind in vehicles. The most common items forgotten include phones, wallets, keys, headphones, glasses, driver’s licenses, and passports. However, there are also some more unique and quirky items that have been left behind, such as a jumbo yo-yo, a large black marble duck, a Squishmallow, a Charli XCX poster, a Smurf keychain, and a bag that reads “I Heart Hot Dads.”
In addition to these items, passengers have also left behind a variety of clothing items, including cowboy hats, red Sonic the Hedgehog Crocs, a Terry Black’s trucker hat, a Harley-Davidson sweater, and a blue cap that says “Emotional Support Human.” Uber’s list of forgotten items also includes high-end designer wallets and purses from brands like Chanel, Coach, Louis Vuitton, and Prada, as well as a white Gucci blanket.
The process for retrieving items left in robotaxis differs slightly from the process for human-driven vehicles. Customers can flag a lost item in the app and then chat with a US-based customer support agent to provide details. If the item is found, Uber will dispatch a courier to return it for a flat $15 fee. Alternatively, customers can pick up the item from Uber’s vehicle depot where the robotaxis are serviced. This process is managed through Uber’s Autonomous Solutions program, which aims to streamline procedures for robotaxis.
As Uber continues to expand its fleet of robotaxis, the Lost and Found process is expected to grow as well. The company plans to offer autonomous vehicle trips in up to 15 cities globally by the end of the year, with an equal split between US and international markets. By 2029, Uber aims to become the world’s largest robotaxi broker.
While the technology in these vehicles continues to advance, human forgetfulness remains a constant. Occasionally, mishaps occur, such as a recent incident in which a Waymo drove off with a passenger’s luggage after dropping them off at the airport. Despite initial reluctance to cover shipping costs, Waymo ultimately agreed to return the luggage after the incident gained media attention.
In conclusion, the integration of robotaxis into Uber’s platform has added a new dimension to the company’s Lost and Found Index. As the autonomous vehicle industry continues to grow, Uber’s role as a facilitator for robotaxi services will only become more significant.