Apple Buys Self-Driving Car Startup Drive.ai
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Apple Inc on Tuesday confirmed that it has acquired self-driving shuttle firm Drive.ai.
Technology news website The Information reported earlier this month that the iPhone maker was considering acquiring the firm as a move to bring aboard some of its engineering talent to boost Apple’s own self-driving efforts.
One of hundreds of startups pursuing autonomous vehicles, Drive.ai had been running a small fleet of test shuttles in Texas, The Information reported. But the startup told California regulators that it plans to lay off 90 people in a permanent closure. The San Francisco Chronicle earlier reported the closure.
In Silicon Valley, it is common for larger companies to acquire struggling startups primarily to hire their engineers, a move known in the industry as an “acqui-hire.”
Apple is vying against rivals such as Alphabet Inc’s Waymo to develop self-driving vehicles. In the past year, Apple has revamped its efforts, bringing former Tesla Inc engineering chief Doug Field to oversee the operation, which includes more than 5,000 workers.
Apple is also working on key components such as sensors in addition to holding talks with potential suppliers.
Questions & Answers
Q.What was Drive.ai doing before the acquisition?
What was Drive.ai doing before the acquisition?
Before the acquisition, Drive.ai was operating a small fleet of self-driving test shuttles in Texas. However, the startup had also informed Californian regulators of its intent to permanently close and lay off 90 staff members.
Q.Why did Apple acquire Drive.ai?
Why did Apple acquire Drive.ai?
Apple acquired Drive.ai primarily to bring aboard some of its engineering talent. This move is intended to boost Apple’s own ongoing self-driving efforts, a common practice known as an 'acqui-hire' in the industry.
Q.Who is leading Apple's self-driving vehicle project?
Who is leading Apple's self-driving vehicle project?
Doug Field, formerly the engineering chief at Tesla Inc, is overseeing Apple's self-driving operation. The project has undergone a revamp in the past year and now involves more than 5,000 employees.
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