Last year Google’s X Labs hired a former Hyundai and TrueCar executive to take the wheel of Google’s self-driving car project. John Krafcik brings not only automotive industry experience to the mix, he has a background in mechanical engineering for some technical expertise as well. Based on a review of Google’s human resources recruiting efforts, it appears X Labs is working on surrounding Krafcik with more auto industry expertise, which has people wondering whether the company may intend to produce driver-less cars themselves.
Some of the job postings listed on Google’s site include positions like a Manufacturing Process Engineer. As the description indicates, this position helps “develop and/or approve manufacturing process flows (assembly + test)” for products. Other positions are more closely related to developing systems that would be manufactured and used in actual vehicles, like a Mechatronics Engineer who would work on “a sensor enclosure cleaning system.”
The various jobs appears to point to an outcome where Google is producing their driver-less cars themselves as opposed to providing specifications and technical information for others to implement. If Google does make this move, this would be a significant change in their position from a year ago when they were working on partnerships with existing auto manufacturers to be able to produce self-driving cars.
source: Google
via: Engadget
Come comment on this article: X Labs looking for auto manufacturer expertise
Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!
