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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

Hyundai launches delivery robot pilot programs

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Hyundai Motor Group has started two pilot delivery service programs using autonomous robots based on its “Plug & Drive” (PnD) modular platform at a hotel and a residential-commercial complex located in the outskirts of Seoul.

The delivery robot consists of a storage unit integrated on top of a PnD driving unit. Alongside the loading box used to deliver items, a connected screen displays information for customers.

First shown at CES 2022, Hyundai’s PnD modular platform is an all-in-one single wheel unit that combines intelligent steering, braking, in-wheel electric drive and suspension hardware, including a steering actuator for 360-degree, holonomic rotation. [Read more…] about Hyundai launches delivery robot pilot programs

Mercedes-Benz becomes ‘world’s first’ automotive company to certify SAE Level 3 system for US market

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Mercedes‑Benz claims to have become the world’s first automotive company to bring SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving to the US, with Nevada being the first state to confirm the compliance of the system with state regulations.

This significant milestone sets the ground-breaking Mercedes‑Benz “Drive Pilot” system apart as the first and only SAE Level 3 system in a standard-production vehicle authorized for use on US public freeways.

Complying with the requirements of Nevada Chapter 482A for Autonomous Vehicles, Drive Pilot will allow the driver to hand over the dynamic driving task to the vehicle under certain conditions. [Read more…] about Mercedes-Benz becomes ‘world’s first’ automotive company to certify SAE Level 3 system for US market

Mercedes-Benz claims its ‘Drive Pilot’ is world’s first internationally certified Level 3 automated car technology

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Mercedes-Benz says its Drive Pilot automated driver assistance system has become the world’s first internationally certified Level 3 automated car technology. The company adds that it backs redundancy for safe conditionally automated driving.

When it comes to conditionally automated driving (SAE Level 3), safety and reliability are the top priorities for Mercedes-Benz. Drive Pilot is therefore based on a system architecture that enables safe control of all situations that could potentially arise.

To this end, braking, steering, power supply and some parts of the sensor system are designed with physical and functional redundancy. By adopting this safety‑focused approach to system design, Mercedes-Benz is setting completely new benchmarks in automated driving. [Read more…] about Mercedes-Benz claims its ‘Drive Pilot’ is world’s first internationally certified Level 3 automated car technology

DHL begins trial runs of Cleveron’s autonomous delivery vehicle

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DHL Express has begun testing an autonomous delivery vehicle built by Estonian company Cleveron. The trials will take place in Tallin, Estonia, and use the Clevon 1 electric delivery robot, which has a 100 km range.

This is the second strategic cooperation where DHL, one of the world’s leading logistics companies, will pilot Cleveron Mobility’s unmanned robot couriers to test their use in last-mile delivery operations.

Clevon 1 will be liveried in DHL’s branding and was due to start delivering parcels by the end of July. [Read more…] about DHL begins trial runs of Cleveron’s autonomous delivery vehicle