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Inceptio delivers massive order of 400 autonomous trucks to ZTO

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Inceptio Technology, a developer of autonomous driving technologies for heavy-duty trucks, has completed delivery of 400 Inceptio-powered autonomous heavy-duty trucks to ZTO Express, a fast-growing express delivery company in China.

This milestone marks the largest single delivery of intelligent heavy-duty trucks globally, significantly enhancing the smart logistics industry.

The trucks, jointly developed with Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle Company, are pre-loaded with Inceptio’s Autonomous Driving System, marking another critical step towards the mass commercialization of autonomous logistics solutions. [Read more…] about Inceptio delivers massive order of 400 autonomous trucks to ZTO

Tethys Robotics launches robot for automated underwater inspections

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Tethys Robotics, a Swiss startup in underwater robotics, has launched its latest product: Tethys ONE, an ROV/AUV hybrid designed for automated precision underwater inspections, even in the harshest conditions.

Tethys ONE stands out in the global market as a dual-functionality robot, capable of operating both via drone pilot control (ROV) and in full autonomous mode (AUV).

Weighing just 35kg (77lbs) in air, this compact yet powerful device is optimized for rapid deployment and exceptional performance in confined underwater spaces at depths of up to 300 meters (984 feet).

[Read more…] about Tethys Robotics launches robot for automated underwater inspections

Autonomous buses: Challenges and opportunities in 2024

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By Shihao Fu, technology analyst at IDTechEx

Autonomous buses represent one of the most challenging platforms in the autonomous driving industry. In recent years, commercial interest has shifted towards roboshuttles and robotaxis, partly due to the complex operational design domains (ODD) of autonomous buses.

The typical ODD for a bus requires interactions with a broad range of road users, including more pedestrians, cyclists, bus stops, passengers, and surrounding vehicles.

The larger size of these buses, coupled with their intricate ODD, presents challenges similar to those faced by roboshuttles.

[Read more…] about Autonomous buses: Challenges and opportunities in 2024

Kodiak surpasses 50,000 autonomous long-haul trucking miles in delivery collaboration with JB Hunt and Bridgestone

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J.B. Hunt, one of the largest supply chain solutions providers in North America, Bridgestone, the famous tire brand, and Kodiak Robotics, an autonomous trucking company, are celebrating a successful ongoing weekly delivery collaboration that has surpassed 50,000 autonomous long-haul trucking miles, incorporating Kodiak autonomous trucks to ship Bridgestone passenger car tires between South Carolina and Dallas.

Since launching in January, the autonomous route has been driven with no accidents and achieved 100 percent on-time pick-up and delivery, and the companies have expanded the collaboration to include additional weekly deliveries along the route.

Utilizing Kodiak’s hub-to-hub autonomous delivery model, the long-haul stretch of the route from Atlanta to Dallas – approximately 750 miles and 16 hours – is completed using Kodiak autonomous driving technology, which is fitted with Bridgestone M719 drive tires and R213 steer tires. [Read more…] about Kodiak surpasses 50,000 autonomous long-haul trucking miles in delivery collaboration with JB Hunt and Bridgestone

How Do Warehouse Robots Streamline Supply Chains?

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With the market for logistics-focused robotics hitting $8.78 billion in 2023 and strong growth anticipated over the next decade, there is obvious enthusiasm for this type of technology in a supply chain context.

Moving towards the adoption of robots in your organization is easier if you are in the loop on what they can do, so here’s a round-up of what this kit is capable of in a modern warehouse context to help convince decision-makers of the value that can be unlocked post-procurement. [Read more…] about How Do Warehouse Robots Streamline Supply Chains?

Contra Costa Transportation Authority and Beep to launch autonomous shuttle service

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Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) has launched its second Presto autonomous shuttle service, which increases transportation access for seniors with Beep, a provider of autonomous shared mobility solutions.

With this launch, residents of the active senior Rossmoor 55+ community can now take advantage of the free pilot shuttle program aimed at providing easy, stress- and emission-free transportation.

The shuttle will run on a pre-programmed loop Monday to Friday from 7 am to 5 pm with a trained attendant on board. [Read more…] about Contra Costa Transportation Authority and Beep to launch autonomous shuttle service

Kuehne+Nagel integrates 50 Libiao autonomous mobile robots into its Châtres, France warehouse

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Global logistics giant Kuehne+Nagel has introduced a new robotized order sorting system from Libiao Robotics at its multi-client Châtres warehouse, situated south-west of Paris, France.

The new technology is designed to improve productivity, accommodate high volumes during peak times, develop collaborative technologies to support human resources, and reduce repetitive manual tasks.

Logistics provider Kuehne+Nagel is automating its Châtres logistics centre in the Seine-et-Marne region by deploying collaborative autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) supplied by Chinese company Libiao Robotics. [Read more…] about Kuehne+Nagel integrates 50 Libiao autonomous mobile robots into its Châtres, France warehouse

Autonomous vehicles: Are they really safer than human-driven vehicles?

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With more than 90 percent of road traffic accidents coming down to human error, the importance of autonomy and its potential safety benefits cannot be overlooked.

As the industry moves into a new era of autonomous driving technologies, safety benchmarks and standards are evolving, forcing car companies to adopt new technologies to keep their cars competitive.

IDTechEx’s report Autonomous Cars, Robotaxis and Sensors 2024-2044 provides market outlooks for the next twenty years.

[Read more…] about Autonomous vehicles: Are they really safer than human-driven vehicles?

Vicinity Motor launches its first automated transit bus at Sleeping Bear national park

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Vicinity Motor, a North American supplier of commercial electric vehicles, has launched its first public deployment of a Vicinity Autonomous Lightning Electric Transit Bus in partnership with automated driving software platform provider ADASTEC at Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, beginning service on Wednesday, August 14th, 2024.

As announced by Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist at a launch event at the Michigan State Capitol Building yesterday, through a National Park Service Mobility Challenge Program grant, ADASTEC and Vicinity will deploy an automated, electric low-floor, accessible transit bus that will transport passengers along a 4.1-mile route on Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

The deployment – supported by federal funding – aims to study how the next generation of automated bus technology performs in an outdoor recreational setting. The vehicle will be available for public use and is free to riders with a 7-day, annual or lifetime NPS pass during its deployment period. [Read more…] about Vicinity Motor launches its first automated transit bus at Sleeping Bear national park

USM and SeaTrac partner to test uncrewed marine vehicle in offshore hypoxia mapping

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Utilizing autonomous uncrewed vehicles and creating a sustainable US Gulf Coast continues to be one of the main goals for the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and its partnership with SeaTrac Systems.

Together, they embarked on a 14-day mission to analyze potential hypoxia levels in the Gulf and its effect on the future of marine life.

Also known as dead zones, hypoxia zones are areas in which oxygen levels in water are decreased due to nutrient pollution caused by runoff rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. [Read more…] about USM and SeaTrac partner to test uncrewed marine vehicle in offshore hypoxia mapping