Artificial intelligence (AI) and self-driving cars are often complimentary topics in technology. Simply put, you cannot really discuss one without the other.
Though AI is being implemented at rapid speed in a variety of sectors, the way in which it’s being used in the automotive industry is a hot-button issue right now.
With every car manufacturer and their mother racing to develop artificial intelligence and self-driving technologies, there are also a slew of tech companies and startups with the same purpose.
Though many believe personal, autonomous vehicles are the future, there are multiple ways in which AI and machine learning are being implemented in how vehicles are built and how they operate on the road.
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES
Many major auto manufacturers are working to create their own autonomous cars and driving features, but we’re going to focus on relatively young tech companies and startups that have formed out of the idea of self-driving vehicles.
Whether their technology is for use in public transportation, ride sharing or personal needs, the following companies are at the forefront of autonomous vehicle technology.
nuTonomy
NUTONOMY: NAVIGATING COMPLEX TRAFFIC SITUATIONS
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
How it’s using AI in automotive: nuTonomy is creating autonomous technology for completely driverless vehicles.
nuTonomoy’s technology, nuCore allows for flexible and human-like vehicle handling (without the error). The software enables vehicles to navigate even the most complex traffic situations.
The company’s goal is to provide fleets of autonomous cars wherever they’re needed to ensure safer roads, less traffic and less pollution.
AutoX
AUTOX: SELF-DRIVING GROCERY DELIVERY
Location: San Jose, California
How it’s using AI in automotive: AutoX makes retail-based autonomous vehicles.
The company’s vehicles combine AI software, sensors, real-time cameras and thousands of test miles, both virtual and real, to ensure safe decisions on the road.
Currently with a focus on grocery delivery, users can pick items through their app and have them delivered along with the ability to browse their vehicle-based mobile store upon delivery.
Drive.ai
DRIVE.AI: TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS ON FIXED ROUTES
Location: Mountain View, California
How it’s using AI in automotive: Drive.ai is utilizing artificial intelligence to change current transportation systems with self-driving services.
The vehicles are not only autonomous, they also communicate with drivers and pedestrians within the vicinity, such as displaying a sign to pedestrians indicating it will wait for them to cross.
The purpose of the fleets is to transport passengers along fixed routes that are more easily monitored than personal autonomous vehicles, which need to stay updated with changes that can impact driving, such as construction, speed limits, accidents and road closures.
Optimus Ride
OPTIMUS RIDE: SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
How it’s using AI in automotive: Optimus Ride is a self-driving vehicle company that creates autonomous cars for geo-fenced locations.
The company’s smart, electric vehicles enable the implementation of more efficient and sustainable cities, freeing up parking, limiting the amount of cars on the road and decreasing environmental impact.
Coming out of MIT, Optimus provides easy and safe transportation for campuses, communities and cities.
Waymo
WAYMO: 360-DEGREE PERCEPTION TECHNOLOGY
Location: Mountain View, California
How it’s using AI in automotive: Beginning as Google’s exploration of self-driving vehicles, Waymo is now it’s own company creating driverless vehicles that can safely deliver people from points A to B.
With over eight million autonomous miles driven to date, Waymo’s 360-degree perception technology detects pedestrians, other vehicles, cyclists, road work and other obstacles from up to 300 yards away.
Zoox
ZOOX: ROBOTIC RIDESHARING
Location: Foster City, California
How it’s using AI in automotive: While some companies are outfitting existing vehicles with self-driving capabilities, Zoox is creating their own autonomous vehicles from scratch.
The cars are being produced to be a robotic rideshare vehicle. Similar to current transportation services like Uber or Lyft, a user would summon a Zoox vehicle for a ride through an app on their smartphone.