Self-driving cars dominating the roads could be a long way off according to Uber tech-scientist

An Uber tech-chief has claimed that it could be a long time before self-driving cars dominate the roads. but the technology could possibly save lives.

Chief scientist at Uber Advanced Technologies Group, Raquel Urtasun spoke at a  Reuters  Newsmaker event in New York. 

Uber, who plan to launch an IPO in the coming months, have found their self-driving unit coming under scrutiny after it was revealed that the unit is a major contributor to their losses in 2018, $1.8 billion before deductions, it is believed that their future is highly dependant on the success of its autonomous vehicles.

Uber was seen as a world leader in autonomous technology, but a fatal accident in Tempe Arizona brought research to a standstill and Uber closed down its' autonomous operation in Arizona immediately afterwards.

Uber did however, resume research and testing in December 2018, nine months after the fatal crash.

Uber, who are looking at a $120 billion valuation in relation to its' IPO, already have companies such as Sofibank and Toyota poised to invest in-excess of $1 billion dollars into its' self-driving technology division.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Image Author: Diablanco