{"id":4683,"date":"2016-06-18T17:02:59","date_gmt":"2016-06-18T11:32:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/startup-buzz.com\/?p=4683"},"modified":"2016-06-24T13:46:24","modified_gmt":"2016-06-24T08:16:24","slug":"local-motors-ibm-unveil-first-self-driven-bus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/startup-buzz.com\/?p=4683","title":{"rendered":"Local Motors and IBM Unveil First Self-Driven Bus"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Meet Olli: The First Auto-Driven Mini Bus<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Arizona based startup, Local Motors, recently unveiled world\u2019s first self-driving<\/a> mini bus Olli in the US. IBM is involved with providing technical support to Olli\u2019s interface. The bus is doing its trial runs in Maryland right now and is expected to be tested in Las Vegas and Miami soon.<\/p>\n

So What is Olli?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Olli is a self-driving mini bus that has been designed by Local Motors using 3D printing technology. Company Co-founder & CEO John Rogers claims that it has a capacity of carrying 12 people and if it is approved for commercial use, one would soon be able to order a ride just like Uber.<\/p>\n

Olli is using IBM\u2019s cognitive AI, Watson, IBM\u2019s cognitive voice-enabled software which enables customers to directly talk to Olli. One can just tell Olli one\u2019s destination and it will take them directly there. One can even ask questions to Olli like, \u201cHow much more time?\u201d, \u201cWhich route are you taking?\u201d, \u201cWhy this route?\u201d, etc. Real drivers seldom entertain so many questions, right?<\/p>\n

While Walter provides a strong and easy-to-use interface, IBM\u2019s cloud service streams live data to Olli to help navigate through traffic and multiple routes. The bus also uses its 30 integrated sensors while driving to ensure a smooth ride.<\/p>\n

Olli can even drive you around to popular destinations like hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing. Your word is its command, quite literally.<\/p>\n

Behind the Design<\/strong><\/p>\n

Olli is an indigenous design by Local Motors. The startup claims that the design can be customized as per the customer\u2019s requirements and can be built using 3D printers in mere 10 hours.\u00a0 The company also plans on setting up micro-plants all over the world for manufacturing in near future.<\/p>\n

All in all, Olli can truly revolutionize the way we travel.<\/p>\n

Takeaways:-<\/strong><\/p>\n