In a very short space of time, self-driving cars seem to have gone from far-off sci-fi concepts to actual vehicles driving around our highways and byways. Uber is the latest company to throw its hat into the ring.
The firm has recently opened an Advanced Technologies Centre at Carnegie Mellon University, so Pittsburgh residents can expect to see a lot more of these automobiles cruising around town in the near future.
Automatic for the people
"This vehicle is part of our early research efforts regarding mapping, safety and autonomy systems," Uber spokeswoman Trina Smith said in an email to the publication.
The end goal is obvious: one day you'll be able to tap on your phone and a robot driver will come and take you to the airport or get you home after a heavy night out. With no need to make small talk it could be a win-win move for everyone (except current Uber drivers of course).
Uber has attracted criticism for apparently poaching staff working on robotics at Carnegie Mellon University, but the sharing economy outfit and CMU are describing it as a "partnership" instead.
