JTA hosts event on National Autonomous Vehicle Day

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Today is National Autonomous Vehicle Day, so JTA and Guident a leading autonomous vehicle technology company hosted an event at JTA’s Test and Learn facility to show the future of transportation and also cars

“Another chapter in how we provide more accessibility,” said Bernard Schmidt, Vice President of Automation Innovation with JTA.

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Schmidt, along with other industry experts came together today to learn more about what technology and transportation really means

“For us being able to come here and experience all of those different technologies. Whether it’s in vehicles, whether it’s in charging systems, drones, or other things really kind of brings it all together for us,” said Schmidt.

At today’s event, several autonomous vehicles were on hand, including a BMW IX M60, which can park itself through an app on the owner’s phone, without someone being inside the car.

Schmidt, says Jacksonville is preparing for technology like this to be on the roads soon.

“You’re going to see that on Bay Street by 2025. Our mandate under our build grant and the first phase of the UTC program, called the Bay street corridor and Project will launch a faired revenue service autonomous vehicle service,” said Schmidt.

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As for people who aren’t on board with cars driving themselves, Schmidt has a message.

“The first thing is come touch it feel it try it. Here at our arms dale testing facility, we remain very open to the public,” said Schmidt.

Harald Braun, Executive Chairman of Guident says this event is wonderful for his company.

“To make sure that everyone understands that this is happening right now, and that is not a thing of the future, no it’s happening right now,” said Braun.

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