Intelligent CIO Europe Issue 10 | Page 96

INTELLIGENT VERTICAL: TRANSPORT will be owned and operated by mutually agreed upon third-party autonomous fleet operators. “The deal is the first of its kind for Uber and signals our commitment to bringing world-class technologies to the Uber network,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber’s CEO. “Our goal is to deploy the world’s safest self-driving cars on the Uber network and this agreement is another significant step towards making that a reality. Uber’s advanced technology and Toyota’s commitment to safety and its renowned manufacturing prowess make this partnership a natural fit. I look forward to seeing what our teams accomplish together.” The initial ‘Autono-MaaS’ (autonomous-mobility as-a-service) fleet will be based on Toyota’s Sienna Minivan platform. Uber’s Autonomous Driving System and the Toyota Guardian automated safety support system will both be integrated into the Autono-MaaS vehicles. Toyota will also utilise its Mobility Services Platform (MSPF), its core information infrastructure for connected vehicles. Pilot-scale deployments will begin on the Uber ride-sharing network in 2021. “Uber’s automated driving system and Toyota’s Guardian system will independently monitor the vehicle environment and real-time situation, enhancing overall vehicle safety for both the automated driver and the vehicle,” said Dr Gill Pratt, Toyota Research Institute CEO and TMC Fellow. “We look forward to this partnership accelerating both companies’ development and deployment of automated driving technology.” At Rydoo, our goal is to simplify expense management so employees can focus on being productive. Integrating Rydoo with the Uber app is a reflection of our commitment.” Over 65,000 organisations across the globe rely on Uber for Business for safe, reliable transportation for employees and a seamless billing, reporting and management system for travel managers and admins. With the new integration, once a business ride is complete, the receipt is immediately available in the Rydoo app. The employee simply has to submit the expense to his manager with a single click. This partnership helps employees save time by eliminating the need to add each ride to an expense report and gives businesses a better way to track invoices and create expense budget forecasts. Christophe Peymirat, Head of EMEA, Uber for Business, said: “Uber for Business is focused on providing organisations across the globe with the best possible way to manage ground transportation programmes and expense management is a critical component of this. We’re excited to partner with the tools that our customers rely on most for expenses, including Rydoo.” n As well as collaborating with Toyota for the smooth operation of self-driving vehicles, Uber has also integrated with Rydoo who has recently enhanced its travel and expense management application with Uber for Business. The integration aims to eliminate friction related to employees’ ride reimbursement. The news demonstrates a shared ambition to offer a seamless business travel experience with a simple, intuitive and fully connected approach, anywhere in the world. Sébastien Marchon, CEO of Rydoo, commented: “Rydoo is focused on meeting our customers’ expectations by offering global solutions. 96 INTELLIGENTCIO www.intelligentcio.com