What’s New in Logistics Tech? 2/13- 2/20

Walmart forces Amazon’s hand, Universal Basic Income is happening, taxing robots, and more!

Another step towards the ubiquity of autonomous: GM and Lyft are partnering to create thousands of self-driving electric vehicles for test fleets. The start date is expected to be set for sometime in 2018, which would mean it will likely be the largest test size of autonomous cars before 2020. Watch out Uber.

These two aren’t direct competitors exactly, but they do have a noted rivalry and stand to disrupt one another’s business significantly as logistics tech and ecommerce raises the bar and the stakes.

So what’s the latest? Amazon has responded to Walmart’s free two-day shipping on all orders over $35 by lowering its own free shipping minimum to $35 (down from $49). This minimum does not offer the two-day shipping that Walmart currently does, but it’s still appealing to those who are less concerned with speed and more concerned with cost. Your move, Walmart.

Automation sparks a lot of fear and controversy as it pertains to the future of jobs. As a result, the Canadian province of Ontario has decided to try out Universal Basic Income in three cities starting spring of 2017. This controversial decision will mean that a single adult will receive a basic income of $16,989, which is almost double the current $8,472 max payment under the current welfare program. Read more about this decision and the potential repercussions here.

Another potential solution for the automation blues has been proposed by Bill Gates this past week. Gates says that we should be taxing the robots in order to offset job losses. The money brought in could fund training programs for jobs that still require humans. He even argues that the tax could slow automation development to a more manageable rate, which may sound bad for innovation, but could allow policy makers the time needed to smooth the transition.

An interesting read on the cybersecurity concerns around driverless cars.

Postmates has changed its policy around mandatory arbitration. Up until now, contractors had to sign an agreement upon being hired that required them to settle any disagreements through arbitration, therefore waiving their rights to pursue class action suits, or the like. The National Labor Relations Board wasn’t feeling all that and filed a complaint in 2015. It seems that Postmates has since had a change of heart and will now provide contractors the option to opt out.

I’ll be back next week with more logistics tech news. Follow HitTheButton to stay up to date.