Google self-driving car prototype unveiled; execs are listing partners

Google invited some media personnel to introduce the prototype of the first Google self-driving car. Sergey Brin said they're looking for expert car makers in the industry to build the car.

Google self-driving car prototype was introduced by Alphabet executives at its headquarters in Mountain View, California on Tuesday.

The Verge specified the self-driving car comes with a sensor on top. It could see 360 degrees, about 200 meters in all directions at any time of the day. The driverless car is programmed to avoid blind spots, other vehicles and drivers that are splitting lanes.

Inside the car, when you hit the start button, a small screen will display, "Let's go!" It would count from three before it takes off. When done, the car will automatically stop. A recorded voice would say, "Thank you for riding. Bye-bye!"

The blue display would also prompt passengers what it sees such as pedestrians, cyclists and other cars. It tells you your current location, the dangers it is avoiding and where the car will go.

Forbes described the car looks like a koala bear. Chris Urmson, Google car program director, said, "The design and shape of the vehicle is intended to be friendly." Though the koala look might not last for long, for them, it doesn't matter. They are hoping the car will serve as the introduction of the future technology.

When asked if there are plans for the company to build the automated car themselves, Alphabet co-founder Sergey Brin said they will work it out with partners. "We're really focused on working with partners. Even though we said we built this one ourselves, we're enlisting many partners."

Brin said in an interview with the Re / Code, that there is an existing relationship by now with the car's supplier and it's possible to collaborate with bigger manufacturers.

On that note, Chris Urmson said there are no plans to release its platform as an open source. "The work we're doing today is still proprietary. We have some ideas about getting it out," he said.

With all the other tech competitors and manufacturers following Google to come up with their own driverless cars, Alphabet is pleased that the automotive industry is being pulled in that direction.