2024-01-10 19:06:06
A Apple increased the number of drivers in its autonomous vehicle (AV) testing program, as reported by macReports. The giant, known for its discretion around the “Apple Car”, now employs 162 drivers — an increase of 17 professionals compared to 145 last November.
After reducing staff in early 2023, the company is now showing significant growth in this area. Maçã currently has 68 vehicles in its fleet, with the addition of 2 new ones at the end of last year, this being the first expansion since 2021.
| Manufacturer | Drivers | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| MERC BENZ | 226 | 49 |
| WAYMO | 664 | 371 |
| TESLA | 59 | 14 |
| CRUISE | 281 | 1015 |
| ZOOX | 615 | 289 |
| NVIDIA | 305 | 1 |
| APPLE | 162 | 68 |
| ONLY | 149 | 109 |
| MOTIONAL | 34 | 61 |
| WOVEN BY TOYOTA | 47 | 30 |
| PONY.AI | 8 | 18 |
The company, which even started testing autonomous vehicles early in California, has not yet requested permission to test driverless cars in the state, unlike other companies that are already carrying out these experiments.
Since January 2019, Apple’s test vehicles have engaged in 21 accidents, according to records in California. The most recent happened on October 23rd, involving a Lexus, which was being driven manually and had minor damage.
The expansion of the autonomous vehicle team comes amid uncertainty regarding the future of the also called “Project Titan”. First, It was expected to be launched in 2026, but recently journalist Mark Gurman said the car should arrive “by 2030”.
Even so, it appears that Apple continues to invest in technologies for autonomous vehicles, showing that in some ways it is still focused on this project.
via 9to5Mac
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