By Uber today unveiled their first ever self-driving car after previously expressing desires to give Uber rides to people without needing a driver. The company is using the latest hybrid Ford Focus for their tests. Of course, it’s outfitted with a black color scheme to match their brand, and has a giant 3D camera sitting atop.
The company will be testing the car in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to start, though they haven’t yet detailed plans to run tests in other areas. The mayor seems to have been the driving force behind approving tests for Uber:
“From the first steel mills to the laboratories at Pitt and Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh has a long history of innovation. Now we’re taking another step forward, this time as home to Uber’s Advanced Technologies Center, where some of the world’s leading innovators are helping to shape the future of transportation. We’re excited that Uber has chosen the Steel City as they explore new technologies that can improve people’s lives — through increased road safety, less congestion, and more efficient and smarter cities.”
Of course, we’re far off from seeing Uber’s vision fully realized, but this is an important first step.
[via Uber]
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