Aptiv, once a part of Delphi Automotive (now Delphi Technologies), is the car component and software company looking to enable futuristic technologies in the automotive industry. It specialises in self-driving software, connectivity, and electrification. You might already know that Aptiv has been working with ridesharing company Lyft – now those two companies have added a third partner in the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) to bring self-driving rides to low vision passengers.
Aptiv’s share price has increased by 30% year to date
Source: Yahoo Finance
Aptiv and Lyft have already collaborated on the ambitious trialling of autonomous taxis in Las Vegas. Now, they’re hoping they can do a little good in the world by expanding that trial to include low-vision and blind riders. According to Lyft, this was always the plan, and helping those with vision disabilities is a fundamental part of what they’re trying to achieve. To that end, Lyft has been working with the NFB to ensure that their “core product” of autonomous taxis is disability-friendly, including braille guides and other accessible features.
In a statement over the collaboration, Mark Riccobono, president of the NFB, said: “Autonomous vehicles have the potential to provide a level of mobility and independence that blind people have never experienced, enhancing our ability to live the lives we want. We are pleased to collaborate with Lyft and Aptiv, companies that recognize the importance of incorporating input from the blind so that driving will be accessible to all. This demonstration will allow future blind drivers to experience and begin providing feedback about this technology, paving the way for the development of a nonvisual user interface and other inclusive design elements.”
Disclosure
Dominion holds Aptiv in its Global Trends Managed Fund.
Author: Theo Leworthy
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