Uber Is Working On Self-Driving Car Technologies At The University Of Arizona

Uber is turning to the University of Arizona for help in developing its mapping and auto safety technologies.

This week, Uber announced its plans to work with experts in lens design at the university to improve the imagery that it captures. The joint effort will also support Uber’s development of self-driving cars and related technologies. The partnership clearly indicates Uber’s efforts to work with outside talent as the company delves deeper into the development of cutting-edge automotive technologies.

However, on the negative side, Uber has a somewhat blemished record when it comes to partnering with research institutions. A similar partnership with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) resulted in Uber poaching numerous researchers and scientists from the institution, according to The Wall Street Journal. Not exactly a great track record to achieve trust in future collaborations, but hopefully the University of Arizona has taken care to protect itself from suffering a fate similar to that of CMU.

On the positive side, Uber now has the support of Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, who said that the university would become home to Uber’s mapping test vehicles. Importantly, the governor also signed an executive order supporting the testing and operation of self-driving vehicles on some public roads in Arizona.

This means Arizona residents could soon start to see Uber’s mapping test vehicles out on the roads they travel on every day. These cars look just like normal vehicles, except that they have a futuristic-looking contraption attached to the roof, which the company explains is for mapping.

“We’re still in the early days of what’s possible,” said Uber’s vice president of advanced technologies, Brian McClendon, in a statement. “I look forward to working with Arizona to make the next step of that journey a reality.”

Uber will donate $25,000 to the university’s College of Optical Sciences to support the initiative.

Overall, Arizona lawmakers have been practically begging technology companies to come to the state over the past couple of years, with incentives such as major tax breaks and exemptions. Now, Uber joins the other high-tech players that have opened up facilities there, including GM, Apple and several startups. Additionally, in June, Uber opened its Center of Excellence in Phoenix, which is focused on the company’s customer support efforts for its drivers and passengers.

“Our administration has been keenly focused on helping 21st-century companies like Uber grow their footprint and succeed in our state,” said Governor Ducey. “Today’s announcement is the latest signal that it’s working.”

Although opening research labs is an expensive endeavor, Uber certainly has the cash to make it happen. The ride-hailing service is currently the highest-valued venture-backed company in the world, with a valuation of more than $50 billion by some estimates.