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Samsung wants to get into the self-driving car business
It's too soon to crack wise that Apple will design a self-driving car and Samsung will build it, but we're another step closer to that being a reality. The Korean conglomerate is launching a new division of its business that'll manufacture car components for other companies, beginning with in-car infotainment gear. According to the release, the eventual aim is to branch out into the components necessary to build autonomous vehicles for other companies. The move follows that of its local rival LG, which formed a vehicle components division in 2013 and is now gearing up to produce components for car companies.
Uber's self-driving car efforts get help from the University of Arizona
Uber's ambitions in the self-driving car space took a step forward today -- the company just announced a partnership with the University of Arizona that will see the university become the home of Uber's mapping test vehicles. According to a press release from Arizona governor Doug Ducey, the partnership will focus on research and development for optics systems focused on mapping and safety for self-driving vehicles. Uber is also donating $25,000 to the University of Arizona's College of Optical Sciences, and an internal email obtained by The Verge indicates that the donation will be for scholarships.
Uber poaches former Google Maps chief for its self-driving car project
Uber's poached plenty of robotics experts from Carnegie Mellon and now we know who it's snagged to lead that team to produce something worthwhile. According to Re/code, Uber's new Advanced Technologies Center will be led by former Google VP Brian McClendon, a 10-year veteran of the company. The name may not ring a bell, but McClendon is most famous for co-founding the startup that eventually became Google Earth before making Google Maps what it is today.
Baidu will test a self-driving BMW later this year
We've known for a while that Baidu wants its first self-driving car on the road by the end of this year, and now we know who's making that happen. The Guardian reports that the Chinese company is partnering up with BMW, which will provide the testbed for the duo's autonomous car project. The prototype will be used to ensure that the search engine's automotive know-how is safe enough for the public although, like Google's tests, a human will also be along for the ride.
Future Range Rovers could tell the city about local potholes
Jaguar Land Rover has revealed that it's working on technology that'll alert the authorities whenever your car finds a bump in the road. It's one of several high-tech initiatives the outfit has been working on, including heads-up displays in the windshield and "transparent" cars. Once an issue, like a pothole or broken drain, has been discovered, its location will be uploaded to the authorities who can then send a maintenance crew to come fix it. In the meantime, the information can be shared with nearby vehicles so that motorists in the vicinity can avoid damaging their car.
Self-driving cars involved minor accidents, but don't blame the tech
Since California began issuing permits for self-driving car tests on public roads last fall, four out of nearly 50 vehicles had minor accidents. According to an Associated Press report, three of the four were Google's Lexus SUVs outfitted with Delphi's autonomous technology. The fourth was a test vehicle owned by Delphi. In half of the fender benders, the cars were in control when the accident occurred, and all of them happened at speeds of under 10 MPH. Most importantly, all four cases resulted in minor damage and no injuries. Due to the state's privacy laws, the report doesn't indicate any further details -- like if they happened while backing out of a parking space, for example.
