Lyft’s autonomous ride-hailing service set for Las Vegas demonstration

Lyft, in partnership with automated driving solutions firm Aptiv, will demonstrate a first of its kind, fully automated, point-to-point ride-hailing experience during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2018 in Las Vegas.

“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,” said Aptiv President and Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Clark. “Aptiv’s automated driving platform is the most advanced automated system available and combined with Lyft’s intuitive user app, CES attendees will be able to have a true point-to-point self-driving experience. It is a demonstration of the future of mobility.”

In 2017, Lyft announced plans to enable self-driving developers and car manufacturers to plug into its network of nearly 1 million rides per day. Aptiv’s automated driving platform will be integrated with Lyft’s smart dispatching technology around the Las Vegas Strip area. Operating in complex driving environments with pick-up and drop-off locations will accelerate the availability of automated driving platforms.

“Lyft’s mission is to build the world’s best transportation ecosystem in partnership with the most advanced self-driving technology and automotive companies,” said Lyft CEO, Logan Green. “This partnership brings us one step closer to making our vision a reality. We look forward to taking this monumental first step.”

The Aptiv-Lyft CES 2018 Automated Experience builds on Aptiv’s previous CES drives, including a 6.3 mile driving loop of city streets and highways in 2017. The CES rides are scheduled to demonstrate the automated system and user platforms within the partnership.

Aptiv’s automated vehicles completed complex everyday driving challenges, such as highway merges, manoeuvring with pedestrians and cyclists and staying on course while in a tunnel. The automated driving technology can be seamlessly integrated into any design without sensors on the top or sides of the vehicle, unlike other automated vehicles. Aptiv will be ready to scale in production by 2019.

Aptiv’s recent acquisition, nuTonomy, the leading developer of state-of-the-art software for self-driving cars, has a strategic partnership with Lyft also, and together they recently launched an automated driving pilot in Boston.