(2 ratings)
|
Apple Inc is getting involved in the argument over regulation of self-driving cars, proclaiming it is amped up for the potential for automated transportation and urging US regulators not to limit testing of such vehicles. A five-page letter from Steve Kenner, Apple's director of product integrity, to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is the organization's most far-reaching proclamation about its interest for self-driving vehicle innovation. The November 22 letter followed over a year of industry hypothesis about the PC and iPhone maker's plans for venturing into transportation.
"The company is investing heavily in the study of machine learning and automation, and is excited about the potential of automated systems in many areas, including transportation," Kenner wrote. "Executed properly under NHTSA's guidance, automated vehicles have the potential to greatly enhance the human experience - to prevent millions of car crashes and thousands of fatalities each year and to give mobility to those without." Apple urged regulators not to impose too many restrictions on testing of self-driving cars, saying "established manufacturers and new entrants should be treated equally."
Also Read: BMW, Intel In Talks To Develop Self-Driving Cars: Threat For Google
Since software would decide what moves to make inconceivably risky circumstances, Apple said certain areas require special consideration. These incorporate the ramifications of algorithmic decisions for the safety, mobility, and legality of automated vehicles and their occupants, ensuring privacy and security in design, and the effect of cars on employment and public spaces. A few examiners gauge that many employments will be lost once self-driving autos largely replace the truck, taxi, and Uber drivers, and wipe out the requirement for most vehicle repairs, insurance agents, and different functions. Apple's letter was prompted by its heavy investment in machine learning and autonomous systems, company spokesman Tom Neumayr said in an emailed statement.
"There are many potential applications for these technologies, including the future of transportation, so we want to work with NHTSA to help define the best practices for the industry," he said. In September, the Obama administration proposed guidelines for the development of self-driving cars in a 15-point "safety assessment," calling on automakers to voluntarily submit details of their systems to regulators.
Apple officials have been demure about their enthusiasm for autos. CEO Tim Cook has proposed that Apple needs to move beyond joining of Apple smartphones into vehicle infotainment frameworks. In any case, Apple has never affirmed reports a year ago that it was contracting car industry engineers and designers to build up a driverless electric car, or that those endeavors have been sharply scaled back this year.
Different organizations seeking after self-driving cars incorporate Alphabet Inc's Google unit, Ford Motor Co, Volkswagen AG, Daimler AG, Tesla Motors Inc and General Motors Co. Apple has apparently held talks about investing into British automaker McLaren Technology Group, but McLaren discarded that Apple had proposed an investment.
Must Read: US Approves Google's AI Oriented Self-Driving Car
Apple joins a range of automakers and tech organizations that have raised worries about the proposed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration policy on self-driving cars and plans by California state regulators to make complying with the safety assessment compulsory. An auto trade group in November encouraged the approaching Trump administration to lead a "comprehensive regulatory review" of all regulations and actions since September 1, including the Obama organization's direction on self-driving vehicles.
Must Visit Our Google+ Community Page For Latest And Updated Technology Happenings Around The Globe.
 |
 |
 |
 |
