One year ago, Google unveiled a prototype of its self-driving car. Soon, the tiny, autonomous vehicle will be tested on real streets in Mountain View, California.
Until now, the only car Google has tested away from the safety of the track has been its collaboration with Lexus, the RX450h SUV. Now, the company is deploying the car of its own design, using the same software developed for Lexus.
The cars will have a speed cap of 25 mph, and a "safety driver" on board at all times to take over driving if necessary. According to a statement from the director of Google's self-driving car project, Chris Urmson, the tests are also designed to gauge the public response to the cars.