Apple Confirms Plans To Develop Self-Driven Cars

Jumping on the autonomous car bandwagon, American tech giant Apple recently confirmed rumours of its own self-driven car. A five-page letter sent from the company to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last month clearly mentions that it is "excited about the potential of automated systems in many areas, including transportation". 

After months of speculation, this letter from Apple’s director of product integrity, Steve Kenner is the first comprehensive statement from the iPhone-maker regarding its interest in developing self-driven vehicle technology. 

"The company is investing heavily in the study of machine learning and automation, and is excited about the potential of automated systems in many areas, including transportation," Kenner wrote. 

"Executed properly under NHTSA's guidance, automated vehicles have the potential to greatly enhance the human experience - to prevent millions of car crashes and thousands of fatalities each year and to give mobility to those without," he added.

Apple urged regulators to not impose too many restrictions on testing of self-driving cars, saying "established manufacturers and new entrants should be treated equally."

The company also pointed out that areas like safety needed special attention since the software would decide what actions are needed to be taken in potentially dangerous situations. These also include the mobility and legality of automated vehicles and their occupants and the impact on employment and public spaces.

Apple's letter was prompted by its heavy investment in machine learning and autonomous systems, company spokesman Tom Neumayr said in an emailed statement.