When automotive manufacturers are competing to develop
electric technology and automatic steering cars, a minibus named Olli has started
crossing the public streets in Washington D.C. by itself and without producing
carbon emissions. Not only that, Olli is ready to serve passengers as friendly
as possible.
Olli is designed and made by a manufacturer named Local
Motors. Just for information, Local Motors got a highlight two years ago when
it introduced the world's first 3D printed car. Olli cabin could accommodate up
to 12 passengers. The automatic steering system is designed entirely by Local
Motors, and at the same time Local Motors also embeds artificial intelligence
systems (AI) IBM Watson, making it capable of interacting with passengers
naturally like a real driver.
Thanks to Watson, Olli can understand the questions and
passengers' requests, for example when a passenger wants be delivered to a
specific location, or when passenger asks about how Olli works - Watson can
access data that has been collected by about 30 external sensors of Olli.
Watson's presence also allows Olli to perform duties as a
tour guide; it will deliver information about popular restaurants and historic
sites based on the tastes of each passenger. A driver with tour guide
capability is an interesting combination.
In the next few months, Olli will be tested on public roads
of Washington D.C. before being brought to Miami and Las Vegas at the end of
the year. Local Motors also has a vision to bring Olli outside the United
States by building small factories in various regions that can print and
assemble the Olli's unit within only 10 hours.