Source: The Verge
Summary
Uber is partnering with Hyundai to modify the Ioniq 5 electric vehicle with a suite of sensors to capture data for its new AV Labs division. The modified vehicle will be used to develop and improve Uber’s autonomous driving technology. The partnership is expected to accelerate the development of Uber’s self-driving capabilities.
Our Reading
The announcement sounds ambitious. Uber is loading up the Hyundai Ioniq 5 with sensors to capture data for its AV Labs division. Because what’s new is always better. The Ioniq 5 will be used to develop and improve Uber’s autonomous driving tech. Just like all the other times they’ve done this. The future is just a rebranded version of the past.
Author: Evan Null
Same Script, Different Car
Uber’s partnership with Hyundai is just another iteration of the same old script. Load up a car with sensors, capture some data, and claim it’s a breakthrough. We’ve seen this before, and it’s hard to get excited about it.
Sensors and Data, Again
The modified Ioniq 5 will be loaded with sensors to capture data for Uber’s AV Labs division. Because that’s exactly what we need, more data. It’s not like we’ve been down this road before.
Autonomous Driving, Again
The partnership is expected to accelerate the development of Uber’s self-driving capabilities. Just like all the other times they’ve announced a breakthrough. It’s starting to feel like Groundhog Day.
AV Labs, the Latest Rebrand
Uber’s new AV Labs division is just the latest rebranding of the same old idea. It’s a new name, but the same old goal: develop autonomous driving technology. How many times can they rebrand the same idea and still get press coverage?
Incremental Progress, Not Innovation
The partnership between Uber and Hyundai is just another incremental step towards developing autonomous driving technology. It’s not innovative, it’s just the next step in a long line of steps. And we’re still waiting for the breakthrough that will change everything.
