Apple delves into the intricacies of the automatic Vardanyan Saveliev | 26.06.2019
On Tuesday Apple confirmed that it acquired the firm-Shuttle Drive.ai. Earlier this month it became known that the company had considered such a possibility to implement your own efforts in the field
automatic driving, and finally the decision was made.
Drive.ai managed a small fleet of Shuttle test in Texas. But the startup has told California regulators that it plans to lay off 90 employees and closed. The procedure was
to go this Friday, but Apple had at the last moment.
At the very beginning of its existence, the startup on the move stood out deep learning to recognize and avoid objects on the road. Also a lot of noise caused public launch
Nissan NV200 without drivers on Texas roads. However, all this did not save the company. Drive.ai was looking for a buyer since February 2019.
Besides the fact that with the help of artificial intelligence, unmanned vehicles Drive.ai can run on the roads, you can also manage them remotely. The Board, which
other traffic participants communicated the action of the machine, is the main feature of this startup.
Apple is struggling with its competitors such as Waymo from the Alphabet, the development of vehicles with Autonomous control. Last year, it renewed its efforts, with the result that the former technical
Director Doug field, Tesla was appointed project Manager of Project Titan, which involved more than 5,000 people. In January the company laid off over 200 employees from Project
Titan. The dismissal was declared as restructuring.
According to Pitchbook, Drive.ai has attracted venture funding to the tune of $ 77 million at a valuation of $200 million. Confirm the exact purchase price has not yet succeeded.
It is also unclear whether there will be staff Drive.ai in place or still waiting for dismissal.
The deal confirms the continued interest of Apple to the technology of Autonomous vehicles. Currently the company is testing a Lexus on the streets of California. Cars have
offline capabilities, but driving is still the driver.
Apple is also negotiating with potential suppliers and is working on key components such as sensors.
the company
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