Two years after rumours of Apple´s interest in self-driving cars, the company confirms its secret project in a statement to US highways regulator.
The American technology company Apple has for the first time admit that it is working on technology to develop self-driving cars.
In a statement to US highways regulator NHTSA, Steve Kenner, Apple’s director of product integrity, writes:
– The company is investing heavily in the study of machine learning and automation, and is excited about the potential of automated systems in many areas, including transportation.
In the letter, Kenner is highy encouraging the development of what he calls “life-saving technology” and describes automated vehicles as “having the potential to greatly enhance the human experience—to prevent millions of car crashes and thousands of fatalities each year and to give mobility to those without”, if executed properly under NHTSA´s guidance.
In the statement the Apple director also highlights the importance of equal treatment of established manufactores and new entrants in order to “maximize the safety benefits of automated vehicles, encourage innovation, and promote fair competition”.
The statements leaves open the possibility that Apple will design and produce a car of its own, rather than merely provide technology to an existing manufacturer.
Kenner ended the letter by stating:
– Apple looks forward to collaborating with NHTSA and other stakeholders so that the significant societal benefits of automated vehicles can be realised safely, responsibly and expeditiously.
