Self-driving cars were things we usually saw only in sci-fi movies. However, with advancements all around, self-driving vehicles have come a long way and have immense potential. Many companies are developing self-driving vehicles and predict that they will be successful in the near future. Some auto companies have already developed and tested self-driving cars and are ready to launch them in the market. Let’s find out the top 5 companies who make self-driving vehicles.
Waymo
Alphabet’s Waymo is one of the top 5 companies who make self-driving vehicles. It leads the list, as it is sophisticated in terms of technology, the number of vehicles operating, and the number of kilometers covered. Besides a camera, LiDAR, and radar sensors, this company installs microphones in their cars to detect sirens from emergency vehicles. Presently, Waymo is operating a fleet of SAE Autonomy Level 4 robotaxis and the company is conducting prototype testing of SAE Autonomy Level 5 vehicles that are fully driverless.
GM Cruise
The Cruise division of General Motors has tested quite a few vehicles and is among the top 5 companies who make self-driving vehicles. Also, they have covered more than 1.6 million kilometers. Most of the cars look like Chevrolet Bolt hatchbacks and they have been designed for self-driving purposes. General Motors gives tough competition when it comes to real-world driving and road endurance.
Argo AI
Argo AI, the Ford Motor Company’s start-up, is busy testing 100 vehicles in major parts of the United States. It is also listed among the top 5 companies who make self-driving vehicles. Their self-driving cars are designed for a safe drive in all conditions and come upgraded with sensor suite. These self-driving vehicles are equipped with high-resolution cameras, a totally new set of radar and computing systems to minimize heat and noise. Redundant braking and unique steering systems are also a part of the automated vehicle.
Tesla
Tesla is an unfailing player in the auto industry and has the ability to bring advanced levels of self-driving vehicles. The self-driving vehicles from Tesla use ultrasonic, radar, and a 2D camera to carry out autonomous operations. Tesla too has a good number of vehicles on global roads that have covered a mindboggling number of kilometers. Tesla plans on launching a million fully driverless vehicles by the end of 2020.
Baidu
Baidu is also among the top 5 companies who make self-driving vehicles and has more than 300 of them with a good number of miles covered. Currently, the self-driving vehicles from the company work at SAE Level 4 and they are running a 45-car robotaxi service for testing and demonstration. They plan to go further with Level 5 by 2025.
Other than these top 5 companies who make self-driving vehicles, there are many companies working on developing their self-driving vehicles, such as Apple, Uber, Volkswagen, and BMW.