There are a number of companies working on self-driving cars, which include tech giants like Google and various car manufacturers such as Volvo. Now, it appears that BMW also has a self-driving car in the works, and it is set to launch this year.
BMW entered into a partnership with China’s Baidu last year, and according to Baidu’s Wang Jin, the two companies will launch a self-driving car this year.
BMW and Baidu’s Collaboration
This new prototype self-driving car from BMW will be used to test out Baidu’s autonomous technology. The car will be tested with a driver at the wheel, similar to how Google’s self-driving vehicles are tested. This ensures that there is a human present to take control if necessary, which is a crucial safety measure during the testing phase.
The collaboration between BMW and Baidu is significant because it combines BMW’s expertise in automotive engineering with Baidu’s advanced technology in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Baidu has been developing its autonomous driving technology for several years, and this partnership allows both companies to leverage each other’s strengths.
Potential Models and Future Implications
As yet, there are no details on what this new self-driving BMW will be. It is possible that BMW has developed a completely new vehicle for the tests, or they may use one of their existing models for the vehicle. Given BMW’s extensive lineup, potential candidates could include the BMW 3 Series, known for its balance of performance and luxury, or the BMW i8, which represents the company’s foray into futuristic and eco-friendly automotive design.
The implications of this partnership extend beyond just the development of a single self-driving car. It represents a broader trend in the automotive industry where traditional car manufacturers are increasingly collaborating with tech companies to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving landscape of autonomous vehicles. This trend is driven by the need to integrate sophisticated software and hardware systems that can handle the complexities of autonomous driving.
Moreover, the success of this partnership could pave the way for future collaborations between other car manufacturers and tech companies. It could also accelerate the development and deployment of self-driving cars, making them a common sight on our roads sooner than expected.
In addition to safety and convenience, self-driving cars have the potential to significantly reduce traffic congestion and lower emissions. By optimizing driving patterns and reducing the need for human intervention, autonomous vehicles can contribute to a more efficient and sustainable transportation system.
The partnership between BMW and Baidu marks an exciting development in the field of autonomous vehicles. As they prepare to launch their self-driving car this year, the automotive and tech industries will be watching closely to see how this collaboration unfolds and what it means for the future of transportation.
Source The Verge
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