Google has been working on a project that would make cars able to drive themselves without the need of a human being actually controlling the wheel. So far Google's self-driving car has been tested successfully throughout the country with a number of accidents that is negligible compared to the number of accidents of traditional driving methods. While testing its self-driving cars, Google has previously just modified older Toyota models. However, the company is reportedly looking into the idea of integrating its futuristic technology into a vehicle of its very own.
According to former Wall Street Journal writer Amir Efrati, Google intends to build a vehicle in order to support an idea for an automated taxi service that will utilize the self-driving technology. The taxis would initially be accompanied by a driver to mitigate any safety concerns people might have with getting in a car that has no driver. However, over time the goal is to simply have the car drive its passengers to their destination by itself.
This idea goes along with Google's recent acquisition of the company "Uber" a San Francisco-based startup that connects passengers with drivers depending on where they're located.
TechSpot points out that Google might be putting itself in bad territory. The car design an manufacturing business is a lucrative one, in which Google has zero expertise. However, the company has proven when it wants something, it's capable of building it itself. This has been the case with its laptops and smartphones in order to showcase its Android and Chrome technologies.
Google is currently in talks with automotive component companies to get this project off the ground. Once the red tape of regulatory and political concerns are laid to rest, interested buys will simply have to pay the necessary cost to get this idea off the ground. Currently, Google's converted Toyotas cost approximately $150,000 apiece to develop.
Below is a video Google made to showcase its self-driving technology.
