Ubuntu can be used for almost any task you can imagine and that includes powering a Boss-modified Tesla Model S so that it can run autonomously.

Bosch is not the first company to use Ubuntu for this task. In fact, Ubuntu has been used for the Mercedes-Benz S 500 autonomous car, but this is just one that has been spotted by the Ubuntu community. There might be others out there, we just don't know anything about them.

Autonomous cars are no longer something of the future; it's something happening now. They are still not roaming the streets and getting legislation to govern autonomous vehicles running amok on the streets and highways has proved to be quite difficult. In any case, cars are getting smarter and more complex, and that means they will need equally powerful operating systems. Ubuntu is just one such alternative.

Bosch is playing catch-up

We've seen all kinds of autonomous cars until now. Google and Mercedes have already been working on these for a while. Other manufacturers are also looking to invest in this new technology, but others will probably prefer to get a company such as Bosch to make their road easiest.

A new video has popped up online with a self-driving Tesla Model S that has been modified by Bosch, and that is running Ubuntu. It's difficult to distinguish from the video, but it might be using Ubuntu 12.04 LTS. Choosing an open source solution for this kind of work is not exactly a novelty, but it's always nice to see Linux in action.

Bosch has some really interesting plans for its self-driving solution. The company wants the cards to go and find a parking space themselves, not just help people go where they want. It's not clear just how advanced the Bosch solution really is, but it's cool to see history happen nonetheless.