Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Autonomous Vehicles

ZF and VinFast to launch autonomous driving systems scalable to higher levels

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VinFast, a fast-growing vehicle manufacturer in Vietnam, says it will launch vehicle platforms that feature “higher level automated functions” in the near future, utilizing automotive systems maker ZF’s expertise in hardware, software and system integration.

Le Thi Thu Thuy, VinFast Global CEO, says: “Our companies are an outstanding match as our goals for mobility are perfectly aligned.

“The future is both electric and automated as we seek to help protect our environment while providing transportation that enhances safety, convenience and efficiency. We will work together to achieve this vision for VinFast customers as we expand our sales around the world.” [Read more…] about ZF and VinFast to launch autonomous driving systems scalable to higher levels

LeddarTech raises $140 million to develop autonomous driving technology

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LeddarTech has raised investment of $140 million, which comprises a Series D first close of $116 million and debt facility of $24 million.

LeddarTech is a developer of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving sensing technology.

FS Investors led the financing round with the participation of Investissement Québec, BDC Capital, Go Capital, certain funds managed by Fidelity Investments Canada ULC, Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Export Development Canada, ams Osram, Desjardins Capital, UI Investissement, Cowen Investment II LLC and other LeddarTech management. [Read more…] about LeddarTech raises $140 million to develop autonomous driving technology

TuSimple to operate nation’s first autonomous trucking route between Tucson and Phoenix

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TuSimple, an autonomous driving technology company, says that the Union Pacific Railroad, the largest Class I railroad in the US, will become the first customer to move freight on TuSimple’s fully-automated trucking route between the Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona metro areas.

Union Pacific is leveraging Loup Logistics, a wholly-owned subsidiary, to coordinate the freight shipment and support seamless movement between rail and the critical first and last mile.

Starting this spring, TuSimple plans to carry Driver Out freight for Union Pacific, utilizing groundbreaking autonomous vehicle technology to deliver goods to their destination faster and more cost-effectively. [Read more…] about TuSimple to operate nation’s first autonomous trucking route between Tucson and Phoenix

Nuro launches new autonomous grocery delivery vehicle

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The hugely well-funded autonomous vehicle company Nuro has unveiled its third-generation autonomous delivery vehicle, and says it is ready to mass manufacture the vehicle.

Describing it as “the most advanced zero-occupant vehicle designed by the company to date”, the new flagship model, simply called “Nuro”, is expected to scale its safe, eco-friendly, and convenient services to millions of people across the US.

Nuro’s third-generation vehicle is designed to carry more goods and enable more deliveries, with twice the cargo volume of the company’s second generation vehicle. [Read more…] about Nuro launches new autonomous grocery delivery vehicle

AutoX expands robotaxi operation zone to 1,000 km

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Alibaba-backed AutoX, a developer of Level 4 fully autonomous cars, or “robotaxis”, now claims to operate “China’s largest autonomous driving area”.

The total area covers 1,000 square kilometers, including a 168-square-kilometer fully driverless zone. AutoX robotaxis are able to navigate all the public roads inside the 1,000 square kilometer area.

Expanding the total autonomous driving area to over 1,000 square kilometers is an important step towards making the robotic taxi service a reality in the daily lives of people in China. [Read more…] about AutoX expands robotaxi operation zone to 1,000 km

Baidu’s autonomous electric carmaker Jidu raises $400 million in Series A financing

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Baidu’s intelligent electric vehicle arm Jidu has closed its Series A financing, raising nearly $400 million.

This round of financing was backed by Baidu and its strategic partner multinational auto manufacturer Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

With the completion of financing, Jidu is set to continue accelerating the progress in R&D and achieving mass production. [Read more…] about Baidu’s autonomous electric carmaker Jidu raises $400 million in Series A financing

Autonomous vehicle development will be stalled by technological and regulatory barriers, says report

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Autonomous vehicles are currently more hype than substance, given the significant technological, financial, and regulatory barriers to their widespread use, according to GlobalData.

In its latest report, Tech, Media, & Telecom Predictions 2022, the data and analytics company predicts that focus will shift onto “lower-level” autonomous vehicles that require greater human supervision, while mergers and acquisition activity will continue to be driven by transport technology such as robotaxis.

Amrit Dhami, thematic analyst at GlobalData, offers her view on these predictions. She says technological barriers will shift focus onto lower-level autonomous vehicles. [Read more…] about Autonomous vehicle development will be stalled by technological and regulatory barriers, says report

Mercedes-Benz partners with Luminar to develop automated driving systems

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Mercedes-Benz and Luminar Technologies has agreed a partnership to accelerate development of future automated driving technologies for passenger cars.

A central component of this is the optimal access to new technologies and global competencies.

The new partnership with Luminar underlines Mercedes-Benz’s policy of continuously expanding its network of top-flight tech partners and suppliers for passenger cars. [Read more…] about Mercedes-Benz partners with Luminar to develop automated driving systems

Auto systems giant Magna acquires autonomous shuttle startup Optimus Ride

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Magna, one of the world’s largest producers of automotive components and systems, has acquired autonomous shuttle startup Optimus Ride for an undisclosed amount.

Magna says the agreement has resulted in the company adding more than 120 employees of Optimus Ride to its books.

Optimus Ride is a provider of autonomous vehicle and mobility solutions located in Boston. [Read more…] about Auto systems giant Magna acquires autonomous shuttle startup Optimus Ride

Nuro raises $600 million in Series D funding

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Nuro, a startup that has produced an autonomous delivery vehicle, has raised $600 million in its latest funding round. The company is currently valued at almost $10 billion and is building a manufacturing facility in Nevada.

This latest financing round was led by Tiger Global Management with participation from Baillie Gifford, Fidelity Management & Research Company, Gaorong Capital, Google, Kroger, SoftBank Vision Fund 1, funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Woven Capital, and other existing investors as part of the company’s Series D funding round.

This $600 million financing will support the development and deployment of Nuro’s autonomous delivery service in communities across the country. [Read more…] about Nuro raises $600 million in Series D funding