Intel announced on Monday that it's partnering with Waymo, the self-driving car division of Google parent company Alphabet, to develop its autonomous vehicle technology. This new team seeks to bring Level 4 and Level 5 autonomy (or full driving autonomy, according to the Society of Automotive Engineers) to Waymo's driverless vehicles using the computing power from Intel's processors.
Waymo's already using technology developed by Intel in its latest driverless Chrysler Pacifica minivans — from their sensor processing to overall connectivity. Now, they want to make it more official. "By working closely with partners like Intel, Waymo’s vehicles will continue to have the advanced processing power required for safe driving wherever they go," Waymo said in a Medium post about the collaboration.
"Intel’s collaboration with Waymo ensures Intel will continue its leading role in helping realize the promise of autonomous driving and a safer, collision-free future." Intel CEO Brian Krzanich wrote in a short editorial. This, as well as growing government support for self-driving cars, will make help make the safer roads of the future a reality. Indeed, autonomous cars are expected to decrease deaths caused by road crashes, which claim some 30,000 to 40,000 American lives each year. 90 percent of which are due to human error.
"I fully expect my children’s children will never have to drive a car," Krzanich added. "That’s an astounding thought: Something almost 90 percent of Americans do every day will end within a generation. With so much life-saving potential, it’s a rapid transformation that Intel is excited to be at the forefront of along with other industry leaders like Waymo."
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