Robotics & Automation News

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Autonomous Vehicles

ZF builds on technology portfolio with acquisition of WABCO

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ZF is building on its technology portfolio with the recent acquisition of US truck maker WABCO.

ZF says it is poised to be “the leading technology partner to the commercial vehicle industry” with the addition of WABCO’s capabilities. The company is playing a pivotal role in the industry’s drive towards a more sustainable, connected, automated safer future.

The company says WABCO’s Autonomous Driving Open Technology (ADOPT) software platform increases safety, efficiency and operational productivity. ADOPT provides automated vehicle operations with “advanced vehicle motion control”. [Read more…] about ZF builds on technology portfolio with acquisition of WABCO

‘Artificial intelligence will employ next wave of truck drivers’, says survey

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A new survey suggests artificial intelligence could be the catalyst for over half of Americans to become truck drivers – if the job could be performed autonomously and remotely – suggests people would attend college to obtain employment

Einride, a Swedish technology company that develops and provides freight transport solutions based on electric and autonomous vehicles, released today the results of a survey conducted with OnePoll on the state of the trucking industry.

The survey examines the sentiments of American respondents around the intersection of artificial intelligence and industry-wide employment. [Read more…] about ‘Artificial intelligence will employ next wave of truck drivers’, says survey

Hyundai unveils new ‘Ultimate’ autonomous vehicle concept

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Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled what it describes as the “Ultimate” autonomous vehicle concept, with the word “ultimate” used part of the category name the company has created. (See video below.)

The TIGER – which stands for Transforming Intelligent Ground Excursion Robot – is the company’s second “Ultimate Mobility Vehicle”, or UMV, and the first designed to be uncrewed.

The “transforming” intelligent ground excursion robot is designed to carry various types of payload while traveling over challenging terrain, says Hyundai. [Read more…] about Hyundai unveils new ‘Ultimate’ autonomous vehicle concept

Baidu launches ‘world’s first’ multi-modal autonomous driving mobility-as-a-service platform

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Baidu, a driverless car developer and China’s equivalent of Google, has launched a multi-modal autonomous driving mobility as a service (MaaS) platform that will provide AI-driven city transportation services in Guangzhou, a city a hundred miles north-west of Hong Kong.

Utilizing a fleet of Apollo Robotaxis and Robobuses along with three other model types of autonomous vehicles, this initiative will allow local users to order smart transport services on demand, starting in the Chinese New Year holiday period.

The implementation of both Baidu Apollo and the ACE Transportation Engine is a testament to the promising commercialization prospects of smart transportation in the intelligent era. [Read more…] about Baidu launches ‘world’s first’ multi-modal autonomous driving mobility-as-a-service platform

Kia to develop autonomous vehicles for last-mile delivery in Singapore

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Kia is planning to develop a variety of technologies including autonomous vehicles for last-mile delivery in Singapore.

The company has begun to lay the groundwork for its “Purpose Built Vehicle” (PBV) business, partnering with cold chain start-up S.lab Asia to break into Singapore’s last-mile delivery market.

The two companies have signed an agreement aimed at launching a pilot project in Singapore using the e-Niro and evaluating the potential for a future PBV-based business model. [Read more…] about Kia to develop autonomous vehicles for last-mile delivery in Singapore

ZF providing safety technology for Zoox autonomous shuttle

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Automotive components giant ZF is providing safety technology for the Zoox autonomous shuttle.

The company says it is providing “advanced occupant protection systems” and “high-quality chassis components” for the vehicle.

ZF says future mobility will encompass ride-hailing solutions and robo-taxis to move people comfortably and safely through the megacities of the globe. [Read more…] about ZF providing safety technology for Zoox autonomous shuttle

Quality Auditing in the Automotive Industry

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Every industry requires stringent quality control and certification for improved product quality.

The automotive industry is no different. In fact, in particular, the industry cannot afford to miss. Not just for enhanced customer experience but also the safety of the vehicle owners and pedestrians.

When it comes to the automotive industry, standards can become complicated or obsolete real quick as customer expectations frequently change with technology trends and craving for new hanging personalized experiences. [Read more…] about Quality Auditing in the Automotive Industry

Baidu Apollo receives driverless vehicle test permit in California

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Baidu Apollo has now been approved by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to test driverless vehicles without a safety driver behind the wheel on public streets.

This makes Baidu the first permit holder in the state to receive driverless test permits for two different vehicle models due to the “robustness” of its AI driver system, according to the company.

Baidu says California will partner in its ongoing driverless testing program which began last year. [Read more…] about Baidu Apollo receives driverless vehicle test permit in California

AutoX launches fully driverless RoboTaxi service to the public in China

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Autonomous driving company AutoX has launched a “fully driverless” RoboTaxi pilot program to the public in Shenzhen, China after its taxis completed final testing last month. (See video below.)

This marks the first time that the general public will be able to book a completely autonomous RoboTaxi without accompanying safety drivers in China.

Members of the public can sign up for the pilot program through AutoX’s RoboTaxi registration page. Selected pilot users can use AutoX membership credits for the RoboTaxi rides. [Read more…] about AutoX launches fully driverless RoboTaxi service to the public in China

Toyota demonstrates autonomous shuttle for ‘mobility as a service’ applications

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Toyota Motor has unveiled an operations management system to support the providing of services that will enable practical use of the e-Palette, the Japanese auto giant’s battery-electric vehicle for autonomous mobility as a service (Autono-MaaS) applications. (See video below.)

In collaboration with a range of partners, Toyota is also planning to operate the vehicles in Woven City, a fully connected prototype city, while targeting commercial use in multiple areas and regions in the early 2020s.

When announcing his goal to transition Toyota to a mobility company at the January 2018 CES, Toyota president Akio Toyoda also announced the e-Palette as a symbol of mobility that goes beyond cars to provide customers services and new value. [Read more…] about Toyota demonstrates autonomous shuttle for ‘mobility as a service’ applications