Inicio NOTICIAS Big Wheel Deal: Uber Buys Israeli Self-Driving Truck Co. Otto For $680M

Big Wheel Deal: Uber Buys Israeli Self-Driving Truck Co. Otto For $680M

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Itongadol.-Ride-hailing giant Uber announced on Thursday a $680 million acquisition of Otto Motors, an Israeli startup specializing in converting normal trucks into autonomous ones. Self-driving trucks could spell an end to tired truckers on highways.

Founded by former Google, Apple, and Tesla employees, including Israeli entrepreneur Lior Ron, Otto develops artificial intelligence, cameras, and sensors that are attached to the vehicle, giving the truck full driving capacity without the need for a driver. Otto trucks are currently undergoing trials in the San Francisco area.

A replacement for truckers?

Uber’s moves reflect its eagerness to advance self-driving technology. If its ambitions are realized, these vehicles could over time reduce its biggest cost, paying drivers. Uber would also be positioned to expand into the trucking industry, which had revenue of about $726.4 billion in the United States in 2015, according to trade data.

Otto’s online blog cited the potential for the merger to transform the trucking industry. As one in three truckers get into a serious accident and 90% of truckers leave their jobs each year, this technology can “provide a path to sustainable commercial transportation.”

So far Otto has tested self-driving trucks for highway use only.

Developers hope for productivity gains with the new technology that will enable trucks to drive around the clock, leaving humans to rest, do paperwork and take controls only while going on and off highways.

Over the long-term, Uber and rivals such as Lyft could cut the cost of paying drivers if they can gradually incorporate self-driving cars into their fleets. But at least for now, said the source familiar with the Uber-Otto agreement, Uber will expand its driver network, which now stands at 1.5 million globally in more than 450 cities.

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