When talking about self-driving car technology, Google is always the first and foremost name that comes to mind. The tech behemoth has been developing and testing its sensor-mounted vehicle prototypes for the last five years but still hasn’t made it to public trials. On the other hand, younger startups like Uber or nuTonomy have started public trials across the globe. And Google’s self-driving mission seems to be on the ventilator.
Google has decided to put its plans for the development of a self-driving car of their own on the backfoot and focus on partnerships and practical uses of the automotive technology, reports The Information. The report mentions that the self-driving division, known as the Chauffer, is now working with established automotive giants to incorporate some of their autonomous features into their vehicles. At the moment, the company isn’t looking to debut a vehicle without a steering wheel and pedals.
The company is extending (aggressively working on) its partnership with Fiat Chrysler to introduce a fleet of over 100 autonomous vehicles with the human controls intact. This is just the first step in the right direction and more such agreements could pop up in the coming months. It is now aiming to launch a robo-taxi service by the end of 2017 – potentially through the Waze carpooling service.
These speculations come on the heels of its arch-enemy Apple also reportedly pulling the plug on their self-driving vehicle. It is also working on distribution of their software assets to automobile manufacturers. This retreat from the development of an autonomous vehicle – which had us techies at the edge of our seats – is saddening. The autonomous car might not see the light of day in the near future, but it surely will. I’m saying this because Alphabet CEO Larry Page is still excited about building a vehicle using the said technology.
The report suggests that Google still harbors ambitions for the development of an autonomous vehicle but will get back to it once the technology to power the same is ready. The company is hosting a media event focused on the self-driving tech in California on Tuesday. Maybe we’ll get a confirmation of these plans during the event.
