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‘Virtual dashboard’ sounds better than ‘human-machine interface’

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A human-machine interface is a computer screen through which a human can control a machine. It can be a screen on a tablet computer or a desktop computer, or even a wearable, like a smartwatch.

The majority of HMIs in the industrial sector take the form of tablet computers, though there are also many desktop HMIs, and an increasing number of developers are releasing wearable HMIs, although they are few in number at the moment.

The reason why mobile HMIs seem to be favoured is that they can be located near the machine, or the user can be near the machine when using the device, to either directly control it in realtime or programme it to perform whatever operations at a subsequent time.  [Read more…] about ‘Virtual dashboard’ sounds better than ‘human-machine interface’

Continental unveils new human machine interface for automated driving

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Continental, a developer of advanced driver assistance systems, has developed a new human-machine interface which places the control of a vehicle at the user’s fingertips, says the company.

The HMI – which is designed to be integrated into a vehicle dashboard (as pictured above) – provides a central input device for maneuver control in the center console as an element of the holistic human-machine dialogue, says the company.

Continental says the input element increases the mode awareness when moving from manual to automated driving mode.  [Read more…] about Continental unveils new human machine interface for automated driving

DHL tests PostBot autonomous vehicle for postal deliveries

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DHL, the world’s largest logistics company, has unveiled an autonomous vehicle designed to carry letters and parcels and follow around the postal worker as he or she delivers mail items from door to door.

The robotic parcel carrier – called PostBot – could move along in tandem with the worker, saving time overall and energy on the part of the human.

DHL selected the a town called Bad Hersfeld to test the self-propelled electric robot. Bad Hersfeld is said to be a “smart city”.  [Read more…] about DHL tests PostBot autonomous vehicle for postal deliveries

Nvidia reveals new computing platform for ‘fully autonomous robotaxis’

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Nvidia has revealed a new computing platform which it says is being used by more than 25 companies to develop “fully autonomous robotaxis”. 

The new Nvidia Drive PX Pegasus is said to be the world’s first artificial intelligence computer designed to drive fully autonomous robotic taxis.

Experts say autonomous robotic taxis are the next step for globally popular ride-sharing apps such as Uber and many others.  [Read more…] about Nvidia reveals new computing platform for ‘fully autonomous robotaxis’

Denso to invest $1 billion in electric vehicle manufacturing in the US

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Denso, one of the world’s largest automotive technology suppliers, is expanding its US footprint with a $1 billion investment in its Maryville, Tennessee location.

Denso says the investment is part of its commitment to advancing automotive innovation in North America, and will significantly increase the role North America plays in the global trend toward vehicle safety and electrification.

Denso will create more than 1,000 jobs in Maryville, Tennessee to make it a primary manufacturing center in North America for electrification and safety systems.  [Read more…] about Denso to invest $1 billion in electric vehicle manufacturing in the US

General Motors reveals autonomous electric mobile platform

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General Motors has unveiled a new type of vehicle which the company says is flexible, autonomous and is powered by fuel cell technology – or electric. 

GM says the Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure – Surus, for short – delivers highly mobile autonomous capability and agility in unpredictable terrain.

This would make it suitable for military use, which is what GM is aiming at. But it could also find applications in the commercial logistics industry, another market GM has listed where Surus could find work. [Read more…] about General Motors reveals autonomous electric mobile platform

GM acquires lidar developer Strobe to accelerate driverless car development

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General Motors has acquired lidar – light detection and radar – technology company Strobe.

As part of the deal, Strobe’s engineering talent will join GM’s Cruise Automation team to develop next-generation lidar solutions for self-driving vehicles.

Kyle Vogt, founder and CEO, Cruise Automation, says: “Strobe’s LIDAR technology will significantly improve the cost and capabilities of our vehicles so that we can more quickly accomplish our mission to deploy driverless vehicles at scale.” [Read more…] about GM acquires lidar developer Strobe to accelerate driverless car development

ABB shows off its range of electric vehicle charging solutions

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As countries all over the world continue to expand their electric vehicle charging infrastructure to cope with increasing consumer and commercial demand, ABB is showcasing its innovative range of solutions at industry event Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition, being held now in Stuttgart.

According to the International Energy Agency, more than 2 million electric cars were on the road worldwide in 2016.

And that number is expected to grow to between 9 and 20 million by 2020.

So the demand for effective EV charging infrastructure has never been greater.  [Read more…] about ABB shows off its range of electric vehicle charging solutions

Kinova Robotics launches beta version of Movo mobile robot

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Kinova Robotics is set to offer consumers a new product line with the beta launch of Movo, a mobile manipulation platform designed to aid in the research and experimentation of mobile robotics.

Movo has been fully designed and developed using the Robot Operating System, along with MoveIt! and Gazebo, and offers an application programming interface that will provide researchers the most advanced functionality in all areas of robotics.

The new, feature-rich platform benefits from the low weight, low energy demand and compactness of Kinova’s world-renowned manipulators, combined with a powerful omnidirectional mobile system and fully integrated navigational system.  [Read more…] about Kinova Robotics launches beta version of Movo mobile robot

NXP launches ‘world’s first’ scalable, single-chip secure vehicle-to-x platform

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NXP Semiconductors, one of the world’s largest suppliers of automotive semiconductor solutions, has has launched its secure next generation RoadLink vehicle-to-everything communications solution.

The new NXP SAF5400 is the “world’s first automotive qualified, high-performance single-chip DSRC modem”, claims the company.

Its “unique scalable architecture”, new security features, and RF CMOS and software defined radio technologies offer original equipment manufacturers with flexible options for cross-regional secure V2X adoption and field upgradeability, says NXP.  [Read more…] about NXP launches ‘world’s first’ scalable, single-chip secure vehicle-to-x platform