News

Actions

Ford, Lyft team up to test self-driving vehicles

Ford, Lyft team up to test self-driving vehicles
Posted at 4:38 AM, Sep 27, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-27 08:02:21-04

Ford Motor Company and ride-sharing service Lyft are teaming up to test self-driving vehicles.

The companies announced the partnership on Tuesday and they work working to "make the transportation of people more affordable, dependable and accessible."

Ford is using their self-driving technology, including the vehicle and Argo Al's virtual driver system, while also building infrastructure and systems necessary for people to use the service.

"Someday, when you open the Lyft app during a period of high demand, Ford and Lyft software will need to be capable of quickly dispatching a self-driving vehicle so that you can get to your destination as quickly and as safely as possible," Ford VP of Autonomous Vehicles and Electrification Sherif Marakby said in a post.

Ford has already teamed up with Domino's Pizza to test self-driving pizza delivery in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area. 

"Some view the opportunity with self-driving vehicles as a race to be first. But we are focusing our efforts on building a service based around actual people's needs and wants," Marakby added. "We are placing a high priority on safety and dependability so customers will trust the experience that our self-driving technology will one day enable."

Marakby said they don't plan on putting people in the cars until they are certain the company can get meaningful feedback. Right now, they will offer human-driven vehicles for Lyft's fleet.