Travis Kalanick, the former CEO of Uber, has publicly expressed his regret over the company's decision to abandon its autonomous driving program. Speaking at the Abundance Summit in Los Angeles, Kalanick stated that the company's decision to kill the project was a mistake, and that Uber was "really only behind Waymo but probably catching up" at the time.

Kalanick's comments come three years after he was forced to step down as CEO of Uber, and two years after the company sold its self-driving unit to Aurora in a reported fire sale. At the time, the decision to abandon the autonomous driving program seemed logical, given the significant financial investments required to pursue the technology. However, with Waymo's self-driving cars now operational in several markets, including the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, Kalanick's remarks highlight the potential consequences of Uber's decision.

Waymo, a leader in the autonomous driving space, has recently partnered with Uber in Austin, with Uber's platform expected to play a critical role in growing the service. However, as Kalanick noted, business partnerships can be fleeting, and if Waymo decides to go it alone, Uber could find itself at a significant disadvantage. This raises questions about Uber's future in the transportation space, particularly as autonomous ride-sharing becomes increasingly viable.

The implications of Uber's decision to abandon its autonomous driving program are far-reaching, and Kalanick's comments serve as a reminder of the importance of strategic investments in emerging technologies. As the autonomous vehicle market continues to evolve, companies like Uber must carefully consider their positions and investments to remain competitive.

In conclusion, Kalanick's remarks offer a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of the autonomous driving landscape. As the industry continues to mature, it will be interesting to see how companies like Uber and Waymo navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this rapidly evolving technology.