We recently heard that Apple had started to test out a self-driving Apple car in the US, and now the vehicle has been caught on video.
A MacRumors reader, Andrew, managed to capture Apple’s self-driving car on video. You can see the vehicle in the video below.
Apple’s Shift in Strategy
Apple was previously making their own Apple Car, which included the hardware. This ambitious project, often referred to as “Project Titan,” aimed to revolutionize the automotive industry by integrating Apple’s design and technological prowess into a fully autonomous vehicle. However, the project faced numerous challenges, including high costs, technical difficulties, and strategic shifts within the company. Consequently, Apple decided to shelve the hardware aspect of the project and focus on developing self-driving software instead.
This pivot allows Apple to leverage its strengths in software development and artificial intelligence. By concentrating on the software, Apple can potentially partner with established car manufacturers to integrate its self-driving technology into their vehicles. This approach reduces the financial risk and complexity associated with building a car from scratch while still positioning Apple as a key player in the autonomous vehicle market.
Testing and Technology
Apple was given a permit from the DMV in the US last month, which allows them to test out a self-driving Apple Car on public roads. This permit is a significant milestone, as it enables Apple to gather real-world data and refine its self-driving algorithms under various driving conditions.
For their testing, Apple is using Lexus RX450h SUVs equipped with a range of advanced sensors. These include multiple radars, cameras, and a Velodyne 64-channel lidar. The lidar system is particularly crucial as it provides high-resolution 3D maps of the environment, allowing the car to detect and navigate around obstacles with precision. The combination of these sensors ensures that the vehicle has a comprehensive understanding of its surroundings, which is essential for safe and reliable autonomous driving.
Apple’s self-driving software is designed to process the data from these sensors in real-time, making split-second decisions to control the vehicle. This involves complex algorithms that handle tasks such as object detection, path planning, and motion control. The software must also account for various driving scenarios, including urban environments, highways, and adverse weather conditions.
The company has yet to actually confirm what plans they have for self-driving car software or hardware. However, industry experts speculate that Apple could either license its technology to other car manufacturers or eventually return to developing its own branded vehicle. The latter would likely involve a significant investment and collaboration with automotive partners to bring a fully integrated Apple Car to market.
As soon as we get some more details, we will let you guys know. The development of self-driving technology is a rapidly evolving field, and Apple’s progress will be closely watched by both the tech and automotive industries. The potential impact of autonomous vehicles extends beyond convenience, promising to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and lower emissions.
Source MacRumors
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