The Autonomous driving startup, Drive.a,i was recently purchased by the tech giant, Apple. The startup was created in 2015 by the University of Stanford researchers, working on machine learning. Since 2015 the company had been running an autonomous ride-hailing system, located in Texas.
The company has been an industry leader in autonomous driving, implementing a deep learning system to recognize objects. Last year the company conducted successful fixed-route tests without human passengers on public roads.
The autonomous driving startup had a sizeable inventory, consisting of Nissan NV200s that were retrofitted for self-driving. The cars also had LED screens on the hood, above the front tires, and on the back. The screens would show messages to nearby people stating the car's intentions.
It is unclear at this moment what Apple will do with the company.
Self-Driving Car Consolidation
Apple Has Purchased the Autonomous Driving Startup Drive.ai
Trend Themes
1. Autonomous Driving Technology - The acquisition of Drive.ai demonstrates the increasing consolidation and competition in the autonomous driving technology market, presenting opportunities for further innovation and advancements in self-driving cars.
2. Deep Learning Systems - Drive.ai's implementation of deep learning systems for object recognition highlights the trend towards more advanced AI technologies in the field of autonomous driving, creating potential for disruptive breakthroughs in this area.
3. Ride-hailing Services - The presence of an autonomous ride-hailing system operated by Drive.ai showcases the growing trend of integrating self-driving technology into the ride-sharing industry, opening doors for disruptive changes in transportation and mobility.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - The acquisition of Drive.ai by Apple indicates the potential disruption in the automotive industry as major tech and AI companies enter the autonomous driving market.
2. Technology - The advancements in autonomous driving technology, as shown by Drive.ai's work, have significant implications for the technology industry, with opportunities for innovation and disruption in AI, machine learning, and robotics.
3. Transportation - The presence of an autonomous ride-hailing service operated by Drive.ai highlights the potential disruption in the transportation industry, indicating the future shift towards autonomous vehicles and reshaping traditional transportation models.