FILE - This Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013, file photo shows the Apple logo above a store location entrance, in Dallas. Apple will begin testing self-driving car technology in California, its first public move into a highly competitive field that could radically change transportation. The California Department of Motor Vehicles awarded Apple a permit to test autonomous vehicles Friday, April 14, 2017, and disclosed that information on its website. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)
April 14, 2017 - 10:33 AM
SAN FRANCISCO - Apple will begin testing self-driving car technology in California, its first public move into a highly competitive field that could radically change transportation.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles awarded Apple a permit to test autonomous vehicles Friday and disclosed that information on its website . A spokesman for the department said the permit will cover three vehicles — all 2015 Lexus RX 450h hybrid SUVs — and six individual drivers. The state requires a human behind the wheel during such testing.
Apple confirmed that it will begin testing self-driving technology in the state, but provided no details. It pointed to a December statement it provided to federal regulators that stated Apple is investing heavily in "machine learning and autonomous systems" and noted "many potential applications" for these technologies.
News from © The Associated Press, 2017