Apple's mystery vans are so popular, people are making fake ones
While Apple's radar- and camera-equipped minivans are being spotted with increasing frequency around the U.S., a new sighting this week in Germany served up an interesting twist: a Dodge Caravan that looks like one of Apple's vehicles, except it's a fake.
The fake van.
AppleInsider reader Thomas snapped a photo of the Apple homage in Hanover, the German city where the annual CeBIT technology trade show was held last week. The German Dodge sports the same style of X-shaped roof rack as Apple's, but all of the sensors appear to be mockups.
Solid metal tubes take the place of the Velodyne HDL-32 LiDAR units found on Apple's vans, while what appear to be plastic grommets serve as "cameras" in each corner. The Apple vans' high-sensitivity GPS antennas are replaced by PVC saucers on square metal tubing.
A real van. Click for larger.
On the vehicle's left rear door, we find a convenient label identifying the van as an "autonomous test vehicle." Many have speculated that Apple's vans are designed for that purpose, though most agree they are in fact meant for a new digital mapping program.
It remains unclear why the owner of this particular van felt it necessary to ape Apple's vehicles. Given the clear and likely incorrect labeling, it seems that the unit could be meant as a prank, or perhaps designed to simulate Apple's vehicles in a video.
The fake van.
AppleInsider reader Thomas snapped a photo of the Apple homage in Hanover, the German city where the annual CeBIT technology trade show was held last week. The German Dodge sports the same style of X-shaped roof rack as Apple's, but all of the sensors appear to be mockups.
Solid metal tubes take the place of the Velodyne HDL-32 LiDAR units found on Apple's vans, while what appear to be plastic grommets serve as "cameras" in each corner. The Apple vans' high-sensitivity GPS antennas are replaced by PVC saucers on square metal tubing.
A real van. Click for larger.
On the vehicle's left rear door, we find a convenient label identifying the van as an "autonomous test vehicle." Many have speculated that Apple's vans are designed for that purpose, though most agree they are in fact meant for a new digital mapping program.
It remains unclear why the owner of this particular van felt it necessary to ape Apple's vehicles. Given the clear and likely incorrect labeling, it seems that the unit could be meant as a prank, or perhaps designed to simulate Apple's vehicles in a video.
Comments
Taking a leaf from Samsung and Google's playbook?
How do you know that it isn't version 2.1 of the apparatus, which would inherently be more compact and less obtrusive, and wouldn't necessarily need all the signal strength provided by the larger antennas of the eariler version.
Men have 2 primary motivations, money and honey. If it's not one it's the other.
On the vehicle's left rear door, we find a convenient label identifying the van as an "autonomous test vehicle."
I'm surprised AI hasn't reported on the latest self driving car.
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/driverless-car-begin-cross-country-trip-sunday/story?id=29807224
This car looks nice with all the sensors/cameras cleanly installed flush within the original body design.
I'm surprised AI hasn't reported on the latest self driving car.
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/driverless-car-begin-cross-country-trip-sunday/story?id=29807224
This car looks nice with all the sensors/cameras cleanly installed flush within the original body design.
Has AI reported on ANY self-driving cars, aside from the rumors about Apple's?
Come on people. Isn't it obvious by now? It's a Samsung Van.
The Dodge brand hasn't been active in Europe since ~2011. Since then, this minivan is only sold as the Lancia Voyager and has the Chrysler grille and taillights. Somebody went to special lengths to match the model without realizing that a real company would lease an new, indigenous model.
Has AI reported on ANY self-driving cars, aside from the rumors about Apple's?
I believe they have on a few occasions regarding Google and certainly mentioned within several articles regarding efforts by traditional car manufacturers. Nevertheless it is a very popular discussion topic among the forum members so in relation to Apple's rumored entry into that space, an article on this Delphi vehicle certainly wouldn't be off topic, especially since this appears to be the most advanced self driving car we've seen yet.
The way people react you'd think they've never been young or had any fun.
No wonder the AI forums are less fun and interesting than they used to be.
Live a little, people!
I see your point, but i can say I had fun in my youth and at the same time never would have considered that fun.
New rumor: Apple working teleportation!
Has AI reported on ANY self-driving cars, aside from the rumors about Apple's?
Yes. Google's venture and also Tesla's auto pilot mode.
Men have 2 primary motivations, money and honey. If it's not one it's the other.
Well typically cant have one without the other...lol.
Sure you can. Men have come up with ingenious methods to get honey sans money.