Samsung and Baidu express their interest in manufacturing self-driving cars. The former company has just started its production with components for use in autonomous vehicles, while the latter company has just successfully tested a self-driving BMW in China. Published reports say that this move from the two big companies is a preparation in the event that mobile industry seems to come to an end.
Engadget mentioned that Samsung Company is branching out into the components of building vehicles for other companies in the future. Just like with LG, it formed its components division in 2013 and now it is gearing up to produce components for car companies. In addition, the report said that crossing over into the car industry is somewhat like similar to mobile industry. Such that, expertise in battery technologies, GPS, mobile computing, wireless chips, touch screens from mobile devices can be applied in autonomous vehicles.
In the history, this is not the first time Samsung is attempting its involvement in the car industry. Related report mentioned that the company tried to make cars in the 90's, but the project did not materialize. Specifically in 1997, Asian financial crisis forced to sell some of its stocks which left Samsung by 19.9 percent.
More so, Gizmodo stated that Baidu has built two prototypes of the BMW 3 Series Gan Turismo. The autonomous cars highlights Lidar and other sensors to see its surroundings, contains detailed maps and deep-learning software to control the car's motion. More so, these prototypes have been tested along the expressways of northern Beijing hitting a speed of 60mPh. According to The Verge, the primary aim of Baidu is to manufacture autonomous vehicles for public use like shuttle services, cars and vans.
Autonomous vehicles are something to look forward to in the car industry from Samsung and Baidu. As these express its interest in such industry, this would give an idea for its rivals in exploring other technological innovations.
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