A statement on self-driving vehicle regulation from a federal highway safety official, a "call for innovation" to encourage robotics startups, and a vehicle that pays tribute to American volunteers in World War II were among the items promoted by automakers and automotive organizations recently.

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[naviga:li]It's too soon to start setting regulations for driverless vehicles, the deputy administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently declared. In an interview with Bloomberg, Heidi King said autonomous vehicle technology is "so nascent" that regulations are not yet necessary. Concerns that self-driving vehicle standards were not strict enough became more pronounced after a pedestrian was killed in March after being struck by a self-driving SUV being tested on a public road by Uber Technologies. King said the NHTSA is looking to remove barriers to autonomous vehicle development, but monitoring developments to establish regulations when necessary; she said "old enemies" such as intoxicated driving and vehicle occupants failing to use their seat belts remain greater concerns in reducing traffic fatalities.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Entrepreneurs who are tinkering with robotics have a chance to get up to $2 million in funding under a recent "call for innovation" by the venture capital firm Toyota AI Ventures. In partnership with the Toyota Research Institute, the firm says promising startups can receive between $500,000 and $2 million, as well as the possibility of partnering with TRI on a proof of concept project. The call for innovation focuses specifically on improving "mobile manipulation technology" for robots that can assist people in tasks around the home. Applications for funding are being taken through October.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Ford is debuting a limited edition Eagle Squadron Mustang GT, named for a group of volunteer American pilots who flew for the Royal Air Force in the Battle of Britain before the United States entered World War II. The vehicle was built with input from drifting champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the RAF. It includes a number of aeronautic design features, including a camouflage paint design mimicking an Eagle Squadron Spitfire aircraft, a shift knob made from a melted down F-35 Lightning, and a badge made from Spitfire aluminum. Ford says the one-of-a-kind vehicle will be auctioned off to support the Experimental Aircraft Association, which supports young pilots.[/naviga:li]

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