‘Uber’ Set to Compete with Google in the Development of Driverless Cars

A report from Bloomberg says that Uber, the app-based transportation network and taxi company, and Google, one its own biggest investors, "are going to war over self-driving taxis." The two companies are reportedly now moving into each other's territories, with Google working on a ride-sharing app while Uber is developing its own self-driving car technology.

Uber this week announced that it is partnering with the Carnegie Mellon University in connection with the establishment of a center dedicated to the development of "key long-term technologies that advance Uber's mission of bringing safe, reliable transportation to everyone, everywhere," primarily in the areas of "mapping and vehicle safety and autonomy technology." The Carnegie Mellon is one of the leaders in robotics technology and is responsible for developing the Mars Rover and other high-profile cutting-edge robotics projects. Uber chief product officer Jeff Holden in his press announcement said: "As a global leader in urban transportation, we have the unique opportunity to invest in leading edge technologies to enable the safe and efficient movement of people and things at giant scale. This collaboration and the creation of the Uber Advanced Technologies Center represent an important investment in building for the long term of Uber."

Google of course has for several years now been developing driverless cars, partnering with major automakers and building its own working proto-type self-driving vehicle. Google has invested $258 million in Uber through its venture capital arm in August 2013. It has also already synced its Google Maps software with the Uber app to let users check the progress of drivers on their way to pick them up. Google's chief legal officer and senior vice president of corporate development David Drummond is also a member of Uber's board of directors.

According to the Bloomberg report, "Google is preparing to offer its own ride-hailing service, most likely in conjunction with its long-in-development driverless car project." Because of this, "the Uber board is now weighing whether to ask Drummond to resign his position as an Uber board member." A ride-sharing service is the best way to commercialize self-driving cars. With no drivers to pay, Google could provide a taxi service that is cheaper than Uber or traditional taxi services.