The speculations are that Google is seriously thinking of creating a
totally automated taxi service. Media reports claimed that not only
was Google developing software for major auto companies, it has been
also designing its own self driving car, and thinking of putting
together a “robo taxi” fleet.
The rumors in the industry are that the tech giant has been in talks
with contract manufacturers to design and build autonomous cars to
Google’s own specifications. Historically, the company has talked big
about self driving cars and does have the available tech, but was
always trying to get the top manufacturers on side.
Despite the rumors that Google is going to sell self driving cars to
ordinary people, the tech giant is believed to be seriously
considering the premise of an autonomous “robo-taxi” service which
will pick up passengers on demand. Undoubtedly, the company would have
to find a willing region for its experiment first. The reports reveal
that Google hopes it will manage to cut down on individual car
ownership and reduce accidents.
It is believed that the company has hopes for a return to the car as a
top commodity, and the rumors are that Google has been holding talks
with such auto components giant as Continental AG. In addition, the
industry observers point out that Google also invested $258 million in
a taxi app service, Uber, which allows users get cabs on demand.
If true, the project is really ambitious. Not only would the tech
giant have to develop and build a cost effective fleet, it would also
have the task to ensure public safety and convince wary customers who
might be resistant to the very idea of automated drivers. In addition,
the idea in question would see the Internet giant go head to head
against the gigantic automotive industry and its formidable lobby. In
the meanwhile, Google has reportedly been working behind the scenes
for quite some time in order to get people used to the idea. It is
said that the company successfully won licensing and testing for
autonomous vehicles in several states, including Florida, Nevada and,
California, as well as in Washington DC.