Uber And Volvo Partner For Robot Ride-Sharing

In late-August, Uber and Volvo announced plans to partner on a $300 million program to develop fully autonomous vehicles by 2021.

Bloomberg reports that by the end of this summer, the people of Pittsburgh will be able to catch a ride in one of Uber's new self-driving vehicles—specially modified Volvo XC90 SUVs. By the end of the year, Uber will have taken delivery of 100 XC90s. Uber doesn't plan to build its own self-driving cars; rather it will produce kits that can be installed on other vehicles. Uber recently announced plans to buy Otto, a startup that's developing a similar kit for trucks.

Uber has been highly interested in ditching the human element for some time. It was in talks with Google to use the latter's autonomous tech, although that ended in 2015. The company also funded robotics research at Carnegie Mellon University as part of a "research pact," which stalled after it poached most of the researchers. Those researchers now work at Uber's Advanced Technology Center in Pittsburgh, which has been testing autonomous Ford Fusion hybrids in the city.

That was unlucky for Carnegie Mellon, but probably a wise move for Uber. General Motors is investing $500 million in Lyft—Uber's biggest rival—which plans to start offering autonomous services using the forthcoming Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle. And as we heard on Monday, Ford also plans to enter the ride-sharing market before too long.

Back in Pittsburgh, Uber customers might soon find their ride drives itself, although there will be a human operator in the driver's seat for now. What's more, rides in the self-driving XC90s will be free for the time being.

NAFA Fleet Management Association
http://www.nafa.org/