In February last year, Uber announced that the company will
establish an R&D center in Pittsburgh together with experts in robotics
from Carnegie Mellon University to develop self-steering technology. More than
a year later, Uber finally reveals its self-driving car.
The picture above is the official photo of Uber's
self-driving car prototype. A Ford Fusion Hybrid that has been modified, this
self-driving car is equipped with a series of sensors such as radar, laser
scanner and a high-resolution camera to map the detailing of surrounding
conditions.
During the test, the car was always accompanied by a trained
driver. Based on the experience of a Tribune-Review reporter who was invited to
drive along, the car can perform basic functions by itself, but when the car
encountered difficult situations that couldn't be solved, the car alarm will
sound a warning so the driver could immediately take over.
The reporter added that the car's sensors can detect a
variety of objects in the street, such as car that's moving from the parking
position, pedestrians, cyclists, and even a goose that's crossing the street.
Uber admits that they are still in the early stages. For
this time Uber's focus is to improve the technology and ensure the security for
all parties, start from pedestrians, cyclists, and the other drivers.
Later, when the technology has been mature and is ready for
mass operation, Uber is pretty confident that the level of congestion and
traffic accidents can be reduced, and the transportation can become more
affordable for public.