So, it looks like Apple really is developing a self-driving car
An Internet-enabled cell phone. A watch that doubles as a computer. What will Apple think of next? How about a self-driving electric car? Actually, that one’s already in the works. Yes, really!
Rumors of the self-driving car, codenamed Project Titan, have been swirling for some time. And now, we’re finally starting to get some proof. How? Simply by asking, that’s how.
That’s what The Guardian did, and in doing so uncovered some information about this developing project. Under a public records act request, they received correspondence showing Apple scouting space in the Bay area to test a self-driving car.
The location in question is GoMentum Station, a formal naval base. It’s the perfect spot for such a secret project: It’s highly private and highly secure, complete with a military guard. Sounds impenetrable to us. Apple would be in good company there: Mercedes-Benz and Honda have previously used the space for their own self-driving car experiments.
Apple engineer Frank Fearon wrote to GoMentum Station, “We would … like to get an understanding of timing and availability for the space, and how we would need to coordinate around other parties who would be using [it].”
However, GoMentum Station is keeping mum on the issue. “We had to sign a non-disclosure agreement with Apple,” said Randy Iwasaki, executive director of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority that owns GoMentum Station. “We can’t tell you anything other than they’ve come in and they’re interested.”
It sounds like Project Titan is further along than any of us expected — after all, Apple is already thinking about testing the car out. What markets will they partner with to bring this driverless car to life one day? It sounds like the ultimate multi-tasking power move to us.
