Ride sharing giant Uber is upping its efforts in the AV market by acquiring Otto, a technology startup that’s developing autonomous technology for Class 8 trucks.
Anthony Levandowski, who left Google’s self-driving cars project to found Otto with other former Google employees, will reportedly lead Uber’s self-driving efforts.
Otto is already road testing a “suite” of sensors, software, and truck enhancements that could be quickly fitted on existing heavy trucks.
“Together with Uber, we will create the future of commercial transportation: first, self-driving trucks that provide drivers unprecedented levels of safety; and second, a platform that matches truck drivers with the right load wherever they are,” Otto stated on its blog.
“By combining these two technologies, we can create a freight network that is constantly learning and improving, » Otto explained. « Each truck that joins the network can provide valuable information that makes all other trucks safer and more efficient. In turn, drivers get paid more and shippers get a more reliable service. Self-driving trucks together with a marketplace create a virtuous cycle where everyone benefits.”
