Autonomous autos
WITH THE SPATE of technological advancements made available in recent years, automakers have become more driven to step up their game and stay on desirability track.
The introduction of various autonomous functionalities in cars most probably tops these modern auto technologies. Ford, for instance, already signified that it is going in that direction with its plan to mass- produce fully self- driving vehicles by 2021. These cars, which will say goodbye to the steering wheel and pedals, will be offered to fleets whose services are focused on autonomous transportation.
Currently, the automaker is making significant strides with its next- generation Fusion Hybrid. Its sensor technology features allow for clearer field of vision, enabling the car to better make sense of its surroundings. It is also packed with Ford’s latest SYNC 3 technology, a fully integrated hands- free infotainment system that allows the driver and passenger to operate the entertainment console and even answer phone calls via voice commands. The smart feature, according to Ford, will appear on all its future models, and is expected soon to arrive in other markets, including the Philippines.
Other car developers are also on their way to rolling out autonomous vehicles, with some foraying into tie- ups with technology firms as in the case between Honda and Alphabet, the parent company of Google.
It was reported late last year that the two companies had entered into negotiations to develop fully autonomous, self- driving cars through Alphabet’s unit Waymo. Honda, however, made it clear that it would still have its own autonomous driving system development. It had, in fact, launched in mid-2016 a prototype driverless vehicle, whose fully autonomous version is expected to hit the roads in 2020.
“In addition to these ongoing [ in- house] efforts, this technical collaboration with Waymo could allow Honda research and development to explore a different technological approach to bring fully self- driving technology to market,” Honda then said in a statement.
The deal, if pushed through, would make Honda the second car maker to work with Waymo. Waymo Chief Executive John Krafcik had earlier announced that their company’s thrust would not be to create vehicles on its own but to develop self- driving technology for trucking, ride- hailing, and logistics purposes. With regard to its talks with Honda, it said it was “looking forward to exploring opportunities to collaborate with Honda to advance fully self- driving technology and make our roads safer.”
Toyota, meanwhile, has chosen to partner with Nvidia Corp. and employ the latter’s Drive PX platform.