Apple iCar Testing to Take Place in Lexus RX Fleet
Do we finally have confirmation that the Apple iCar is real?
For years, speculation regarding the possibility of an Apple iCar has floated around. And Apple hasn’t done anything to put out the burning rumors, either. Rather, the tech company confirmed that they are investing heavily in self-driving vehicle technology. But does that mean that they intend to build an entire car? One that you can purchase alongside the latest iPhone?
Either way, Apple has seemingly taken the next step in its mission. The Sun is reporting that the tech giant has received permission from the California Department of Motor Vehicles to start testing self-driving cars on public roads.
But they won’t be testing their own car, mind you. Their fleet will consist of three 2015 Lexus RX 450h’s and six drivers. Apple will use the hybrid SUVs to test their self-driving technology. But per California law, a human must be behind the wheel in case something goes awry.
Back in December, Apple’s Director of product integrity, Steve Kenner, notified federal regulators of the company’s intentions to develop self-driving technology. “The company is investing heavily in the study of machine learning and automation, and is excited about the potential of automated systems in many areas, including transportation,” Kenner said in a letter.
‘The company is investing heavily in and is excited about the potential of automated systems in many areas, including transportation.’
Kenner went on to note that companies should work together to help improve the technology. Namely because it could greatly reduce accident related injuries and deaths.
“To maximise the safety benefits of automated vehicles, encourage innovation and promote fair competition, established manufacturers and new entrants should be treated equally. Companies should share de-identified scenario and dynamics data from crashes and near misses. By sharing data, the industry will build a more comprehensive data set than any one company could create alone.”
So does Apple really intend to build its own car? Or do they merely intend to develop software and hardware technology that can be sold to existing automakers like Lexus? Only time will tell.
