Uber partners with University of Arizona to boost mapping technology
Uber is ambitious about its autonomous car project with focus on self-driving cars, which needs the right kind of mapping technology. Thus, to enhance its mapping and safety technology, the ride-hailing company has entered into collaboration with the University of Arizona.
“Companies like Uber innovate 21st-century services to not only create new jobs, but literally improve the way we live and get around,” said Governor Doug Ducey.
“It’s in Arizona’s best interest to embrace new technology. This is about jobs and new research in optics right here at the University of Arizona,” he further added.
Uber also confirmed that the company will be working with some of the world’s leading experts in lens design at the university. Closely working with the University of Arizona, Uber aims to improve the captured images to be used in inventing mapping and safety features. The research and development will mainly focus on optics space for mapping and safety.
Driverless vehicles are not yet legal on public roads in Arizona. As part of the affiliation, Governor, Doug Ducey signed an executive order directing state agencies to take necessary steps with certain condition, to support the testing and operation of self-driving vehicles on public roads within Arizona. Governor, Doug Ducey said that the administration of Arizona is ardently focused on helping 21st-century companies like Uber grow their footprint.
This order also authorizes pilot programs with the state universities and set up a Self-Driving Vehicle Oversight Committee, reports Government Technology . Uber engineers will avail the local roadways for testing new technologies that will eventually enable driver-free vehicles.
As part of this partnership, Uber will donate $25,000 to the University of Arizona’s College of Optical Sciences in order to support the next generation of optical scientists and engineers.
Uber has entered into similar partnership with Carnegie Mellon University. And as a result, Uber mapping test vehicles are already on the streets in Pittsburgh. Uber CEO Travis Kalanick has formerly spoken about the company’s inclination towards the driverless technology and even said that one day they might replace Uber’s human drivers.
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