Uber's Self-Driving Technology To Get 'Real World' Test
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Uber is stepping up their efforts in Pittsburgh to develop self-driving technology.
According to Uber's blog, a futuristic-looking test car will be hitting the streets with two missions in mind.
The vehicle is equipped with sensors, radar, laser scanners and high resolution cameras. The purpose is to collect mapping data around the city.
In addition to collecting the data, this Ford Fusion hybrid will also allow Uber to test its self-driving capabilities.
According to the blog posting, "While Uber is still in the early days of our self-driving efforts, every day of testing leads to improvements. Right now we're focused on getting the technology right and ensuring it's safe for everyone on the road — pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers."
Don't worry, even when the vehicle is in self-driving mode, a driver will be in place behind the wheel.
Mayor Bill Peduto said Pittsburgh is a great place for Uber to test out this technology.
"Uber chose the Steel City as the home of our Advanced Technologies Center because of its world-class engineering talent and research facilities. Pittsburgh is an ideal environment to develop and test our technology across a wide variety of road types, traffic patterns and weather conditions. The city's long history of innovation continues today as it helps us shape the future of transportation," Peduto said in a statement on the blog posting.
In February, Uber announced plans to renovate the old locomotive roundhouse at the former LTV Coke Works temporarily until the site can be prepped for housing offices and other development.
According to Pittsburgh City Councilman Corey O'Connor, Uber's project will last about 3 to 5 years at that location.
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