New Delhi: In a development that could make the self-driving segment more competitive, IBM recently showcased Olli, a 3D-printed self-driving bus. This electric-powered bus is based on IBM’s AI platform Watson and designed by Local Motors.
Olli is ready to hit roads in Washington, DC, followed by Miami and Las Vegas later this year. The new vehicle was unveiled during the recent grand opening event for the new Local Motors facility in National Harbor, Maryland.
One of the most interesting facts about the vehicle is that it is not manufactured in a plant but "printed out" on a 3D printer and then assembled.
Olli could be its first commercial vehicle, which can carry 12 people. It is equipped with advanced vehicle technology, which includes IBM Watson Internet of Things (IoT) for Automotive, to improve the passenger experience and lets natural interaction with the vehicle.
Passengers will be able to interact with the vehicle while travelling from point A to point B, discussing topics about how the vehicle works, where they are going and more.
Passengers will also be able to ask for recommendations on local destinations such as popular restaurants or historical sites based on analysis of personal preferences.
Local Motors CEO and co-founder John B. Rogers in a press statement said, “Olli offers a smart, safe and sustainable transportation solution that is long overdue. Olli with Watson acts as our entry into the world of self-driving vehicles, something we’ve been quietly working on with our co-creative community for the past year. We are now ready to accelerate the adoption of this technology and apply it to nearly every vehicle in our current portfolio and those in the very near future. I’m thrilled to see what our open community will do with the latest in advanced vehicle technology.”
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