Aptiv, a global technology company that provides leading automated driving solutions, and ride-hailing company Lyft, announced a partnership to demonstrate a fully automated point-to-point ride-hailing experience during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2018 in Las Vegas.
“This partnership represents a real-life application of scalable, automated driving technology that will have a significant impact on improving safety, emissions and urban congestion challenges,” said Aptiv President and CEO Kevin Clark. “Aptiv’s automated driving platform is the most advanced automated system available and combined with Lyft’s intuitive user app will allow CES attendees to have a true point-to-point self-driving experience. It is an exciting demonstration of the future of mobility at work.”
In 2017, Lyft announced plans to enable self-driving developers and car manufacturers to plug into its network of nearly 1 million rides per day. Aptiv’s automated driving platform will be integrated with Lyft’s smart dispatching technology, aiming for a smooth consumer experience to hail rides around the Las Vegas Strip area. Operating in complex driving environments with pick-up and drop-off locations will accelerate the availability of automated driving platforms for commercial applications.
“Lyft’s mission is to build the world’s best transportation ecosystem in partnership with the most advanced self-driving technology and automotive companies,” said Lyft CEO Logan Green. “Partnering with Aptiv for our open platform brings us one step closer to making our vision a reality. Together, we will define the future and we look forward to taking this monumental first step in Las Vegas at CES 2018.”
Aptiv’s recent acquisition, nuTonomy, has a strategic partnership and recently launched an automated driving pilot with Lyft in Boston.
The Aptiv-Lyft CES 2018 Automated Experience builds on Aptiv’s previous CES drives, including a 6.3-mile driving loop of city streets and highways in 2017. Aptiv’s automated vehicles completed complex everyday driving challenges, such as highway merges, maneuvering with pedestrians and cyclists, and staying on course while in a tunnel.
Aptiv says its automated driving technology can be integrated into any design without cumbersome sensors on the top or sides of the vehicle, unlike many other automated vehicles on the road today. Aptiv will be ready to scale in production by 2019.
How the Aptiv-Lyft CES 2018 Self-driving Experience Will Work:
- The CES rides will demonstrate Aptiv’s automated system and Lyft’s user platform to offer rides to more than 20 destinations throughout Las Vegas;
- Lyft passengers can request a self-driving ride from the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Gold Lot;
- Ahead of their ride, passengers will journey through an informative exhibit designed to showcase the positive impact automated cars will have on individual lives and communities;
- Once passengers get into their self-driving vehicle, there will be a safety driver in the front seat and an in-car host, who together will provide a safe and educational experience.
- The self-driving opportunity will be available to Lyft passengers in Las Vegas from Jan. 9-12
