Google making Self-Driven Car or Robo TAXI
It has been reported that Google is trying to design and produce a
car that can drive itself. They have apparently been discussing building
a vehicle to its own specifications with contract manufacturers. This
news comes as Mountain View have still been unable to find a company
that will incorporate its self-drive technology in a car.
As well as producing self-driven cars, Google have also had the bright idea of providing a robo-taxi service, where autonomous cars would drive around, collecting passengers on request. So far it is not clear whether this would be run through Google or another company. The service would still require a human to be behind the wheel just in case the car needed starting in an emergency, but Google are still keen to look for ways to brng the auto-taxi service into the mainstream.
Google have apparently been in talks with the auto parts maker Continental AG about the possibilities of producing a car but it has still not ruled out the option of finding a major car producer to partner with, in bringing the self-drive technology to the market. For now Google is keeping its options open.
Although Google's self-driving cars have been a technological success, the search-giant has had difficulty finding a method of getting the vehicles into mainstream use. However, new reports now suggest that the company is considering using its vehicles to create an autonomous 'robo taxi' service.
Rival carmakers including Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Toyota have all developed prototype self-driving cars and sources within the industry believe that these incumbent players are unwilling to welcome Google into the fold. It could be that Google isn’t the one who actually brings autonomous vehicles to the market, but at least by continuing discussions, it keeps the possibility at the forefront of car manufacturers minds.
The Frankfurt Motor Show is due early in September, so keep an eye out just in case Google do make any announcements.
The self-driving vehicles would pick up and drop off passengers without human intervention, and would presumably be paired with a mobile application.
As well as producing self-driven cars, Google have also had the bright idea of providing a robo-taxi service, where autonomous cars would drive around, collecting passengers on request. So far it is not clear whether this would be run through Google or another company. The service would still require a human to be behind the wheel just in case the car needed starting in an emergency, but Google are still keen to look for ways to brng the auto-taxi service into the mainstream.
Google have apparently been in talks with the auto parts maker Continental AG about the possibilities of producing a car but it has still not ruled out the option of finding a major car producer to partner with, in bringing the self-drive technology to the market. For now Google is keeping its options open.
Although Google's self-driving cars have been a technological success, the search-giant has had difficulty finding a method of getting the vehicles into mainstream use. However, new reports now suggest that the company is considering using its vehicles to create an autonomous 'robo taxi' service.
Rival carmakers including Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Toyota have all developed prototype self-driving cars and sources within the industry believe that these incumbent players are unwilling to welcome Google into the fold. It could be that Google isn’t the one who actually brings autonomous vehicles to the market, but at least by continuing discussions, it keeps the possibility at the forefront of car manufacturers minds.
The Frankfurt Motor Show is due early in September, so keep an eye out just in case Google do make any announcements.