What’s the deal with software companies and autonomous driving?
Why are they so keen to make it happen? And why do analysts predict that in 20 – 30 years self-driving cars will dominate the roads when it’s quite clear that only a small percentage of people actually like them?
Google’s affair with autonomous driving started some time ago, but it didn’t become “a thing” like the company expected. Sure, some people were intrigued by driverless cars, but the rest went on with their lives and enjoyed the freedom and excitement driving had to offer.
So, the idea is not “trending” very well, is it? Well, that won’t stop car and software companies to further develop the ultimate self-driving machine.
In fact, “the ultimate self-driving machine” could be BMW’s new slogan, since Baidu Search Engine (also called the Chinese Google) has teamed up with the German car manufacturer in order to research and develop an autonomous-driving project. But that was way back in April 2014.
Now, according to The Guardian, Wing Jin – Baidu’s senior vice vice president – has stated that the company could launch a new-self driving car with BMW in China before the end of the year.
Unlike Google’s Humpty-Dumpty shaped vehicle, the Baidu BMW whatchamacallit will still have human controls, which means that the Chinese technology will focus on aiding and assisting the driver, rather than replacing him.
Anyway, the end is nigh!
Note*: BMW i3 with Active Assist technology pictured.
PHOTO GALLERY
