Apple confirms its interest for the autonomous cars – Europe1

This is the first confirmation of the interest of Apple for the autonomous cars… The american group wrote a few days ago to the federal agency for traffic safety (NHTSA) and reveals a little more about his ambitions in the automotive sector.

Apple “excited by the potential of the automated systems”. In its letter, dated 22 November, apple says it is particularly “excited by the potential of automated systems in many areas, including transport”. “Apple is eager to collaborate with NHTSA and other parties in order that one can enjoy in a safe, responsible and timely of the important societal benefits of automated vehicles”, also writes Steve Kenner, director of the group in charge of the “product integrity”.

Do not penalize “new entrants”. In its letter, Apple requests that the new entrants on this market are not penalised by regulatory requirements more onerous than the manufacturers established. “In order to maximize the benefits in terms of safety of the automated vehicles, to encourage innovation, and promote fair competition, the established manufacturers and new entrants should be treated equally,” writes the company. She said that she was also in favour of sharing data, including data on accidents, arguing that this would help “build a more comprehensive database than what one company could do alone.”

“Apple is investing heavily”. After the publication of the letter, Apple has responded in an email to AFP. “We have communicated your comments to the NHTSA because Apple is investing heavily in machines capable of learning and autonomous systems. There are many potential applications for these technologies, including the future of transportation, so we want to work with the NHTSA to define the best practices for the sector”, explained a spokesman.

rumors-recurring projects at Apple. rumours recurrent amenable for at least two years at Apple’s big ambitions in the automotive sector, so that most manufacturers provide for the arrival of autonomous vehicles for 2020. According to information published by several us media, the project will be called “Titan” internally. A project that the boss of the group, Tim Cook, was never confirmed, but which has been mentioned indirectly several times. He had particularly referred, following an investment of one billion dollars made in the spring in the chinese company, booking car with driver Didi, “the strategic things the two companies can do together on the long term.”

Between building and car creating software. in Early September, the New York Times had, however, said that the group had reviewed its ambitions downward and licensee staff in the context of a “reset” of the project Titan. Instead of seeking to design and produce a car in full, Apple will focus now on the technologies for the vehicles to drive autonomously.