320. Can Britain lead the world in driverless cars?

Wayve’s autonomous driving technology utilizes "world models" that rely on deep learning to navigate unstructured environments without the need for high-definition maps or expensive infrastructure. Founder Alex Kendall explains that by leveraging generative models to create synthetic data, the company achieves high performance with limited real-world data, allowing it to compete effectively against industry giants like Waymo and Tesla. While the UK provides a strong foundation for research and talent, the sector faces significant hurdles regarding domestic scale-up finance and a risk-averse regulatory culture. Despite these challenges, Wayve is expanding its footprint through strategic partnerships with major automakers and ride-hailing services like Uber. The company remains committed to maintaining its independence while navigating the complex intersection of technological innovation, public safety, and the societal shifts necessitated by the rapid advancement of physical AI.