Given the equation that Google shares with Uber, it was supposed to be Google in Carnegie Mellon’s shoes. Uber was supposed to partner Google, and, not Carnegie in bringing the autonomous driving technology to the masses. But thanks to a new development, Uber on Monday entered in to an alliance with Carnegie Mellon University to develop driverless car and mapping technology. The partnership has pitted the car-hailing company against one of its biggest investor: Google
In a blog post, Uber mentioned that the partnership would pave way for the development of “Uber Advanced Technologies Center,” in Pittsburgh and, at the same time would provide an opportunity for the company to work closely with Carnegie Mellon faculty and students. The partnership would focus more on the research and development part for mapping and vehicle safety and autonomy technology.
Thus far, Google was at the forefront in autonomous driving technology. And it was a well known fact in the technology circles that one fine day Google and Uber might join hands to bring technology to the masses by taking advantage of Uber’s logistics expertise. And for the starters, Google had already invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Uber through its venture capital arm. And, in fact, the company’s Chief Officer, David Drummond is on Uber’s board.
Uber’s currently depends on mapping technology developed by Google, Apple and its own maps.
Uber’s product chief, Jeff Holden, informed the company has been developing its own mapping technology and will be working hard towards to its completion. On the other hand, Bloomberg Business Report informs that Google is contemplating its own car-hailing service. However, a person close to the matter says, the news has been blown out of proportion. The app is meant for internal use among Google employees, for helping them carpool to work, and not to rival Uber.
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