Driverless Taxi?

Uber has tested its first driverless car in the United States raising concerns about the future of people who drive for the company worldwide.

16:50 23 May 2016

Uber, the taxi app, has started testing its first driverless car, a hybrid Ford Fusion, on the streets of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The car is fitted with radars, high-resolution cameras, laser scanners, and other sensors to map details of the environment as it drives around.

 

Although the car runs entirely in self-drive mode, a trained driver is behind the wheel to monitor operations at all times.

 

Uber said that the daily tests lead to improvements in the technology.

 

"Right now we're focused on getting the technology right and ensuring it's safe for everyone on the road - pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers," the company said.

 

"We've informed local officials and law enforcement about our testing in Pittsburgh, and our work would not be possible without the support we've received from the region's leaders."

 

The company also claims that self-driving technology has the potential to save millions of lives and improve quality of life for people around the world.

 

"1.3 million people die every year in car accidents - 94% of those accidents involve human error.”

 

"In the future we believe this technology will mean less congestion, more affordable and accessible transportation, and far fewer lives lost in car accidents.