article_snippet: In Uber Uber recently said Californian firm would be partnering with roboticists at Carnegie Mellon University.
article_snippet: Californian firm is said to have opened a research facility in Pittsburgh with the intention of creating a self-driving car, going head-to-head with Google's efforts.
article_snippet: Google was an early backer of the San Francisco-based firm, investing $258 million (£170 million) in the controversial ride-sharing service through Google venture capital arm in August 2013.
article_snippet: David Drummond, Google's chief legal officer and senior vice president of corporate development, then joined the Uber board of directors.
highlights_snippet: Deal bolsters rumours Uber is serious about building an autonomous car .
  
highlights_snippet: Californian firm is said to have built a research centre in Pittsburgh with the intention of creating a self-driving car .