Uber to launch self-driving fleet in Pittsburgh

Following initial testing back in May, Uber has announced later this month customers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will be able to request a ride in self-driving cars using their Uber app. Uber's fleet of self-driving cars, according to a report by Bloomberg Businessweek, will consist of specifically modified Volvo XC90 sport-utility vehicles fitted with sensors that use cameras, lasers, radar, and GPS receivers. But when the cars hit the roads, for the time being, they will be supervised by people in the driver's seat, and rides will be free, Uber said. The test cars used during the initial trials, however, were hybrid Ford Fusion, indicating Uber has not ruled out the idea of expanding its self-driving fleet with other car manufacturers. Earlier this week, Ford promised to deliver fully autonomous and driverless ride-sharing vehicles by 2021.