Robotics & Automation News

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driverless

Daimler delivers ‘autonomous-ready’ trucks to Torc Robotics

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Daimler Truck North America has delivered a new fleet of autonomous-ready trucks to its subsidiary Torc Robotics, marking a significant milestone in their push toward commercializing driverless freight transport.

The vehicles, built on the newly launched fifth-generation Freightliner Cascadia platform, are now being integrated into Torc’s testing program along one of America’s busiest freight corridors between Laredo and Dallas.

The new trucks represent Daimler’s most advanced Class 8 platform yet, featuring built-in redundancy across critical safety systems such as braking and steering – essential for achieving SAE Level 4 autonomous operation. [Read more…] about Daimler delivers ‘autonomous-ready’ trucks to Torc Robotics

DB Schenker installs remote-controlled forklifts at logistics facility

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Forklifts are now being operated remotely at DB Schenker’s contract logistics site in Kassel, Germany. The drivers control the vehicles from a distance. With a remote driving setup, drivers are connected to several different vehicles at different locations via the enabl platform.

Lucas Mömken, vice president global engineering and innovation in contract logistics, DB Schenker: “The collaboration with enabl allows us to react flexibly to fluctuations in demand and automate our processes to increase productivity.

“We see this partnership as a valuable addition to our CL digitalization strategy, which will help us to secure our competitiveness in the long term.” [Read more…] about DB Schenker installs remote-controlled forklifts at logistics facility

May Mobility expands autonomous vehicle operations to second US city

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May Mobility, an autonomous driving technology company, has launched its second driverless operation in the US, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The company says that testing its “driver-out” system in Ann Arbor is the next step toward expanding autonomous driver-out vehicle services commercially across the US and Japan alongside key partners, including Toyota, NTT and Lyft.

The driver-out testing in Ann Arbor involves significant complexity of traffic, weather patterns and pedestrian density, and operates in and around approximately 2 square miles of Ann Arbor surface streets. [Read more…] about May Mobility expands autonomous vehicle operations to second US city

Lyft agrees new partnerships as it reveals it has ‘40 million’ autonomous vehicle passengers a year

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Lyft, the ride-hailing app provider which claims it is now “one of North America’s largest transportation networks”, has revealed plans for new “multiple autonomous vehicle partnerships” to connect the Lyft community with future autonomous vehicle rides in the Lyft app.

Lyft says the new agreements are its next step in delivering autonomous vehicle rides to millions of people. Lyft and Mobileye, a developer of self-driving tech and advanced driver assistance systems, plan to bring autonomous vehicles to the Lyft network.

Through this partnership, Lyft will make its scaled rideshare platform available to all vehicles with Mobileye’s self-driving technology. [Read more…] about Lyft agrees new partnerships as it reveals it has ‘40 million’ autonomous vehicle passengers a year

Autonomous trucks: How the US, EU, and China are commercializing driverless logistics

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By Shihao Fu, technology analyst at IDTechEx

The commercialization of Autonomous driving technology in the trucking industry has rapidly advanced in 2024, presenting substantial potential to address critical industry challenges such as high operational costs, driver shortages, and safety concerns.

It is expected that the global trucking fleet will be supported by an additional half million L4 autonomous drivers, while the remaining drivers will either transition into supervisory roles or continue to operate in less developed regions.

IDTechEx’s recent research on more than 10 companies in the autonomous trucking sector reveals that the industry has officially entered the commercialization phase, marked by deep collaborations across the global supply chain.

[Read more…] about Autonomous trucks: How the US, EU, and China are commercializing driverless logistics

Future of Personal Injury Law: The Impact of Driverless Cars on Legal Proceedings

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The rise of driverless cars represents a transformative shift in the automotive industry, promising to redefine how we approach transportation. These autonomous vehicles, equipped with advanced technologies, have the potential to drastically reduce traffic accidents caused by human error.

However, their integration into everyday life also brings forth complex legal challenges, particularly in the realm of personal injury law. As driverless technology becomes more prevalent, its impact on legal proceedings will be profound, necessitating a reevaluation of existing legal frameworks and practices.

This blog explores the future of personal injury law in the context of driverless cars. By examining current practices, technological advancements, and emerging legal issues, we aim to shed light on how the legal landscape will evolve as autonomous vehicles become a fixture on our roads. [Read more…] about Future of Personal Injury Law: The Impact of Driverless Cars on Legal Proceedings

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?

Waabi raises $200 million to launch fully driverless trucks in 2025

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Waabi, a company pioneering generative AI for autonomous trucks, has raised $200 million in an oversubscribed Series B round, led by Uber and Khosla Ventures. 

The funding round includes participation from best-in-class strategic investors Nvidia, Volvo Group Venture Capital, Porsche Automobil Holding, Scania Invest and Ingka Investments.

Additional financial investors include HarbourVest Partners, G2 Venture Partners, BDC Capital’s Thrive Venture Fund, Export Development Canada, Radical Ventures, Incharge Capital, and others. [Read more…] about Waabi raises $200 million to launch fully driverless trucks in 2025

Rocsys and EasyMile partner to launch autonomous charging system

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EasyMile, a developer of driverless technology, and Rocsys, a provider of hands-free charging solutions for electric vehicles, have unveiled their strategic collaboration.

In a significant step towards a future of fully autonomous industrial vehicle operations, EasyMile and Rocsys have started working together to introduce fully autonomous charging solutions within the EasyMile offering.

By combining Rocsys’ cutting-edge seamless charging technology with EasyMile’s expertise in autonomous vehicle fleets, the collaboration aims to increase the efficiency and reliability of industrial AV operations. [Read more…] about Rocsys and EasyMile partner to launch autonomous charging system

Alstom starts production of driverless trains for metro network in India

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Alstom, a French multinational train manufacturer, has started the production of its driverless Metropolis trainsets for the Chennai Metro Phase II from its manufacturing facility in Sricity.

This order aims to deliver 36 metro trainsets, each comprising of three cars, and capable of operating at a top speed of 80 kmph. These trains are designed to run on the 26 km corridor, a segment of Phase II linking Poonamallee Bypass to Light House via 28 stations (18 elevated and 10 underground).

The production was commenced at a commemorative ceremony led by leaders from Chennai Metro Rail, and Alstom India. [Read more…] about Alstom starts production of driverless trains for metro network in India