China-based internet search engine Baidu is talking up its efforts to develop a Google-style autonomous car.
Media in China is reporting remarks by Baidu CEO Robin Li that the company may introduce an autonomous car this year and that it is working with automotive OEMs on the project.
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Li has been attending meetings of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in Beijing when the remarks were reported. He declined to name the automaker partners.
China’s Information Technology and Industry Minister Miao Wei recently said that companies outside the traditional auto industry should work with the auto industry to encourage innovation.
Reports last year suggested that Baidu is working on a prototype that could emerge in 2015. The car under development will be equipped with radar, camera and sensors, as well as a navigation system, reports said. The car can automatically drive itself as soon as a destination is entered into the navigation system. The sensors will upload traffic conditions, and using big data technology, the car will make its own decisions about such things as direction and driving speed.
