Uber Posts Autonomous Selfie

Uber Technologies Inc. is ramping up testing of its automated-driving technology on public roads in Pittsburgh.

The ride-hailing firm is using a modified Ford Fusion hybrid sedan equipped with a variety of sensors, including radar, laser scanners and high-resolution cameras. The company posted a photo of the vehicle, which was first spotted last year by local newspapers, this week on its website.

Describing its autonomous vehicle program as being in the “early days” of development, Uber says current tests are focused on safety. The company notes that 94% of fatalities stemming from accidents in traditional vehicles involve human error.

As is the case with companies testing autonomous vehicles in other cities, the Uber car has a “trained driver” behind the wheel and ready to assume controls if necessary. The company also is using the self-driving Fusion to collect mapping data of the area.

Uber says Pittsburgh is well-suited for such testing because it has a wide variety of road types, traffic patterns and weather conditions. It also is home to the company’s Advanced Technology Center, which is operated in partnership with nearby Carnegie Mellon University.