AI Story: ZapCar

by Ellie Haberl; illustrated by B. Hastings

Summary: 

When an unexpected obstacle gets in its way, how does a self-driving car 'decide' where to go?

AI Themes: 

Autonomous Vehicles / Self-Driving Cars                                                     

Read the Story:

Original version (wordcount: 1143)

Download the Story:

Original version (pdf)

Discussion Prompts:

• Do you think the ZapCar handled the “crash” ethically or unethically? Why?
• Did this story change your thinking about self driving cars? How?
• How do you think governments should regulate (or not regulate) self driving cars?

Related Activities:

Design an advertisement for a more ethical self-driving car

• Describe a superior, more ethical, product.

  • What specific technology makes it better?

  • How does it perform better?

• Work as satire or social commentary.

  • What do you fear the auto industry will get wrong?

  • Who will benefit from self-driving cars? Who won’t?