BERLIN: BMW is banding with Intel and Mobileye to develop new technology for the auto industry that could put self-driving cars on the road by around 2021.
Carmakers and technology firms are increasingly working together as they race against Silicon Valley companies such as Google, Tesla and Apple to develop driverless vehicles.
“Together with Intel and Mobileye, the BMW Group will develop the necessary solutions and innovative systems for highly and fully automated driving to bring these technologies into series production by 2021,” the three companies said in a joint statement yesterday.
They said their new platform would be made available to multiple carmakers, without saying whether they were already in talks over any deals.
Sophisticated cruise control systems already enable “hands off” driving as cameras and computers allow cars to automatically brake, steer and accelerate in traffic at low speeds. But drivers are required to stay in control.
Now the auto industry wants to develop higher levels of automation described as “eyes off,” “mind off,” and “driver off” cruising.
This requires more computing power and software know-how, forcing traditional carmakers to work more closely with technology specialists.
Mobileye said it would offer its Road Experience Management technology to the alliance.
