Ride sharing giant Uber is upping its efforts in the AV market by acquiring Otto, a technology startup that’s developing autonomous technology for Class 8 trucks.
Anthony Levandowski, who left Google’s self-driving cars project to found Otto with other former Google employees, will reportedly lead Uber’s self-driving efforts.
Otto is already road testing a “suite” of sensors, software, and truck enhancements that could be quickly fitted on existing heavy trucks.
“Together with Uber, we will create the future of commercial transportation: first, self-driving trucks that provide drivers unprecedented levels of safety; and second, a platform that matches truck drivers with the right load wherever they are,” Otto stated on its blog.
“By combining these two technologies, we can create a freight network that is constantly learning and improving,” Otto explained. “Each truck that joins the network can provide valuable information that makes all other trucks safer and more efficient. In turn, drivers get paid more and shippers get a more reliable service. Self-driving trucks together with a marketplace create a virtuous cycle where everyone benefits.”