PITTSBURGH: Uber is set to trial a driverless test car in this city in the coming weeks.
The car, a hybrid Ford Fusion, will be collecting mapping data as well as testing its self-driving capabilities. When it’s in self-driving mode, a trained driver will be in the driver’s seat monitoring operations. The Uber Advanced Technologies Center (ATC) car comes outfitted with a variety of sensors including radars, laser scanners, and high resolution cameras to map details of the environment.
According to an Uber statement, self-driving cars have the potential to save millions of lives and improve quality of life for people around the world. It said 1.3 million people die every year in car accidents — 94% of those accidents involve human error. "In the future, we believe this technology will mean less congestion, more affordable and accessible transportation, and far fewer lives lost in car accidents. These goals are at the heart of Uber’s mission to make transportation as reliable as running water — everywhere and for everyone."
Uber said it is now focused on getting the technology right and ensuring it’s safe for everyone on the road — pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers. "We’ve informed local officials and law enforcement about our testing in Pittsburgh."
