LeftLaneNews
Hyundai, Aurora focus on level four autonomous tech

Hyundai, Aurora focus on level four autonomous tech

Hyundai will begin testing autonomous fuel cell-powered vehicles across the globe.

Hyundai has become the second auto-maker to team up with Aurora Innovations to develop, build, and test self-driving cars.

Volkswagen announced a partnership with the firm yesterday. Hyundai's statement echoes the one made by its German rival; the idea is to deploy autonomous cars "quickly, broadly, and safely."

Aurora -- a tech firm founded by one of Google's top self-driving car engineers -- will help Hyundai design the hardware and software required to achieve level four automation. When it's ready, likely in several years' time, the technology will be installed in a fuel cell-powered crossover (pictured) Hyundai will introduce next week during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

"We know the future of transportation is autonomous, and autonomous driving technology needs to be proven in the real-world to accelerate deployment in a safe and scalable manner," said Dr. Woong Chul Yang, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor, in a statement.

Test cars will participate in pilot programs around the world, though Hyundai hasn't revealed where or when it will put the prototypes through their paces. Ultimately, the two partners aim to sell self-driving vehicles to consumers all around the world.

Interestingly, the statement makes no mention of ride-sharing and shuttle services, which many mainstream auto-makers see as a near-infinite source of revenue in the coming years. In contrast, Volkswagen's partnership with Aurora places a sizable emphasis on the ride-sharing, cash-generating aspect of the technology.