Aptiv and Lyft have joined forces to launch a "first-of-its-kind fully automated point-to-point ride-hailing experience" for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
Dubbed the Aptiv-Lyft Automated Experience, the service will allow CES attendees to request an autonomous ride from the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Gold Lot. A car will then pick up riders and transport them to one of the more than 20 destinations programmed throughout the city.
All of the vehicles will have a safety driver as well as "in-car host" who will apparently highlight the car's technology. Of course, one of the most notable features about Aptiv's autonomous driving technology is the fact that their sensors are integrated into the vehicle's design and this eliminates the unsightly sensor arrangements which are common on other autonomous vehicles.
While the Automated Experience is simply a demonstration, Aptiv says the technology will be ready for production by 2019.
According to Aptiv CEO Kevin Clark, “This partnership represents a real-life application of scalable, automated driving technology that will have a significant impact on improving safety, emissions and urban congestion challenges." He added, “Aptiv’s automated driving platform is the most advanced automated system available and, combined with Lyft’s intuitive user app, [this] will allow CES attendees to have a true point-to-point self-driving experience. It is an exciting demonstration of the future of mobility at work.”