Innovations in the Internet of Things (IoT) have made testing of self-driving vehicles possible. Several leading car companies have successfully tested such vehicles to moderate to great success. Although commercialization may still be some time away, here are the top 5 companies that make self-driving vehicles that you can keep an eye out for.
Waymo
It is among the leading self-driving car manufacturers. Since 2009, it has been working and building on software and sensor technology in Google’s laboratory. The company is now collaborating with Jaguar to develop an electric self-driving car called the Jaguar I-Pace. It is expected to build a fleet of around 20,000 vehicles.
The self-driving system combines LiDAR, radar, and cameras for precision. Additionally, the suite comprises microphones that are able to detect the sounds of sirens. The company commenced developing sensors and hardware in 2011 and is clearly the leader in this segment.
GM Cruise
Cruise is a subsidiary of General Motors and is another major company in this vehicular segment. The company is testing the second largest fleet of self-driving vehicles backed by investments from T.Rowe Price Associates, Honda, SoftBank, and GM. It is using its own fleet of vehicles to test its in-house ride-sharing app and is easily one of the top 5 companies who make self-driving cars.
Cruise cars use IoT sensors, Cloud-based tools, and machine learning technologies to gather information from the surroundings and make informed decisions based on this data.
Argo AI
Argo AI is an independent company with partnerships with Ford Motors and Volkswagen. Its goal is to develop the self-driving system, and the company does not intend to become a manufacturer. The vehicles will use sensors combining cameras, LiDARs, and radars on the outside to determine the distance of external objects.
Daimler
Daimler is a reputed global producer of commercial and premium vehicles. It has partnered with Bosch to develop self-driving vehicles. Bosch is working on the self-driving hardware while Daimler provides the vehicle-testing and other facilities. This partnership is expected to develop self-driving technology capable of mass production.
Renault
The group has been manufacturing cars since 1898 and is a highly reputed global multi-brand organization. Renault is currently under preparation to launch its pilot public transport system using self-driven vehicles. The company is very optimistic about the future of this segment.
Self-driving vehicles can potentially save millions of lives, reduce harmful emissions, reshape the cities, and restore freedom of movement. For individuals, such vehicles offer a safer, affordable, accessible, and convenient transportation mode.
The development of IoT and machine learning, particularly with sensors, make self-driving vehicles a reality. The sensors provide real-time data enabling the self-driven cars to understand any changes in the surroundings, detect operational problems, and read traffic conditions to make accurate decisions. Further growth is expected from the introduction and development of high-definition (HD) maps. If things progress as expected, individuals with mobility issues, disabilities, and the elderly, will be able to use a car much more easily.
