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Palladyne AI achieves ‘key milestone’ with first small drone autonomous tracking flight

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Palladyne AI, a developer of artificial intelligence software for robotic and unmanned platforms in the industrial and defense sectors, says its Palladyne Pilot AI software platform has “achieved a key developmental milestone”.

The company says it conducted the successful first flight of a third-party small drone that demonstrated the ability to identify and prioritize terrestrial targets of interest and then interface with the drone’s autopilot software to follow the prioritized target autonomously.

Palladyne AI had previously successfully demonstrated the Palladyne Pilot AI platform’s ability to identify and prioritize targets on stationary nodes and with hovering drones. [Read more…] about Palladyne AI achieves ‘key milestone’ with first small drone autonomous tracking flight

May Mobility and NTT partner to promote autonomous driving services

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May Mobility and telecommunications giant NTT have embarked on a collaboration which they say aims to “continuously provide reliable and safe autonomous driving services in Japan”.

NTT Docomo was selected as the service provider for the Aichi Prefecture government’s Autonomous Driving Operation Project and will conduct autonomous vehicle operations as a regular service, using May Mobility’s technology provided through this collaboration.

Additionally, the companies are pleased to announce the plan of an autonomous driving pilot at the NTT Central Training Center. [Read more…] about May Mobility and NTT partner to promote autonomous driving services

Beep and Mississippi university launch autonomous bus test

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Beep, a provider of autonomous shared mobility solutions, has launched C.A.B. or Campus Autonomous Bus, at Mississippi State University (MSU), marking Mississippi and Southeastern Conference’s (SEC) first-ever autonomous pilot program.

Celebrated on September 20 at a ribbon cutting ceremony on MSU’s campus, the pilot completed weeks of continued testing and validation and is now available to all students, faculty and guests of MSU for transit.

C.A.B. is currently scheduled to operate through the end of the year and will give MSU a chance to evaluate how autonomous transportation systems can be used on campus to diversify its existing fleet of transportation assets. [Read more…] about Beep and Mississippi university launch autonomous bus test

DoorDash and Wing launch drone delivery test in the US

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DoorDash and Wing have launched their drone delivery partnership in the US, starting in Christiansburg, Virginia.

Select local consumers will be able to order eligible menu items from Wendy’s – the pilot’s first restaurant partner – through the DoorDash marketplace and have them delivered via drone.

This follows the drone delivery pilot program that DoorDash and Wing launched in Australia in 2022 and has since expanded to three locations in Queensland with over 60 participating merchants, marking the first time that Wing integrated its drone delivery service within another marketplace. [Read more…] about DoorDash and Wing launch drone delivery test in the US

Cumberland community group launches autonomous shuttle pilot program

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The Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) is partnering with Beep, a provider of multi-passenger and electric autonomous mobility solutions, to launch the Cumberland Hopper, an autonomous shuttle pilot program providing additional connectivity throughout the Cumberland district. 

This collaboration represents a significant step forward in transforming transportation options within Cumberland, offering enhanced connectivity, sustainability, and convenience to the business community, residents, and visitors.

The pilot program launched on July 25th and will operate through March 2024, demonstrating the Cumberland CID’s commitment to delivering safe and reliable mobility options to the growing Cumberland community. [Read more…] about Cumberland community group launches autonomous shuttle pilot program

California certifies Mercedes semi-autonomous drive system

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Mercedes‑Benz says its Drive Pilot system for SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving received certification from California state authorities.

With this significant milestone Mercedes-Benz is the first car manufacturer with authorization to introduce such a SAE Level 3 system in a standard-production vehicle for use on public freeways in the most populous state in the United States.

Drive Pilot will be available in the US market as an option for model year 2024 Mercedes‑Benz S-Class and EQS Sedan models, with the first cars delivered to customers in late 2023. [Read more…] about California certifies Mercedes semi-autonomous drive system

World’s most remote robot automates Amazon reforestation project

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A pilot project between ABB Robotics and US non-profit organization Junglekeepers is demonstrating the role Cloud computing technology can play in making reforestation faster, more efficient and scalable.

ABB Robotics is supporting Junglekeepers in their mission to protect 55,000 acres of Amazon rainforest and reverse deforestation.

In a first-of-its-kind demonstration, ABB’s cobot YuMi is automating planting tasks in a jungle laboratory, speeding the process and allowing Junglekeepers’ volunteers to focus their valuable time and resources on more impactful work. [Read more…] about World’s most remote robot automates Amazon reforestation project

Charting the Course of Digital Yuan (E-CNY)

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The roadmap of Digital Yuan is divided into three phases – Research and Development, Pilot Testing, and Official Launch. In this article, we will delve into each phase of the roadmap, exploring key milestones, achievements, and implications for the future of the CBDC.

Digital Yuan is reaching milestones and with time you can expect its wide adoption. Digital Yuan is now a reality in many countries where people invest in Digital Yuan trading through platforms like Yuan Pay Group (Official trading site). [Read more…] about Charting the Course of Digital Yuan (E-CNY)

New York Power Authority cleared to fly drones beyond line of sight

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The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has received its first federal approval to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) of the pilot in command.

In a significant step forward, this Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) waiver enables NYPA to conduct fully remote drone operations such as asset and vegetative management inspections at its Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project in Schoharie County.

NYPA’s growing drone program supports its industry-leading asset management strategies and is part of an Authority-wide digitization initiative to modernize grid infrastructure to advance the efficient delivery of clean power statewide. [Read more…] about New York Power Authority cleared to fly drones beyond line of sight

Qualcomm and Zebra invest in Third Wave Automation

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Third Wave Automation, a provider of high-reach autonomous forklifts, has received strategic investments from Qualcomm Ventures and Zebra Technologies, bringing the startup’s total funding to $70 million.

Carlos Kokron, vice president, Qualcomm Technologies, and managing director, Qualcomm Ventures Americas, says: “The increasing adoption of advanced robotics, artificial intelligence and 5G connectivity is facilitating the use of autonomous solutions within the warehouse.

“Third Wave Automation’s shared autonomy approach with continuous learning capabilities delivers immediate value to the customers by easily integrating with existing workflows while enhancing labor productivity and safety. We are excited to invest in Third Wave Automation to bring next-generation autonomy to the forklifts.” [Read more…] about Qualcomm and Zebra invest in Third Wave Automation