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Baidu launches multi-purpose autonomous minibus

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Baidu, the Chinese internet search giant which also has an autonomous vehicle business unit called Apollo, has launched what it describes as “a new generation of multi-purpose autonomous minibuses”. 

Named “Apolong II”, the new vehicles are being rolled out in Guangzhou Huangpu District.

The Apolong II is equipped with advanced autonomous driving capabilities and the latest in-vehicle smart cabin technologies to enhance passenger experience. [Read more…] about Baidu launches multi-purpose autonomous minibus

Colorado launches ‘America’s largest fleet of autonomous, electric shuttles’

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Autonomous Vehicles Colorado (AvCo), a program designed to improve public transportation using advanced technologies, says it has launched “America’s largest fleet of low-speed, autonomous electric shuttles in multiple cities across Colorado”.

Service in the first of three locations officially launched a couple of days ago at Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado.

For at least the next year, the autonomous shuttle buses will connect Mines students, faculty, staff, and the general public with key destinations in the city and around campus that currently lack convenient mobility options. [Read more…] about Colorado launches ‘America’s largest fleet of autonomous, electric shuttles’

Arrival partners with Ambarella to develop advanced driver assistance systems

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Arrival, a develop of electric vehicles, has selected the Ambarella CV2FS CVflow AI vision processor for the environmental perception module available for all types of Arrival vehicles.

The module will be used to enable autonomous driving (AD) and ADAS features in the Arrival Bus and Van.

Arrival believes it will accelerate the mass adoption of EVs globally by producing affordable commercial vehicles across the whole transportation ecosystem, and working closely with cities and governments to transform mobility. [Read more…] about Arrival partners with Ambarella to develop advanced driver assistance systems

US government-funded project tests connected vehicles for lifesaving applications

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A US Department of Transportation-funded project called THEA Connected Vehicle Pilot has been testing connected vehicles for lifesaving applications at the American Center of Mobility.

The tests were undertaken in collaboration with automotive manufacturers and road operators.

The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Connected Vehicle Pilot (THEA CV Pilot) is a $22 million project jointly funded by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and THEA. [Read more…] about US government-funded project tests connected vehicles for lifesaving applications

Kiwibot and designer Alejandro Otálora receive iF Design Award

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Kiwibot, a service using semi-autonomous robots to reimagine and democratize robotic delivery, says that the concept prototype of its next-generation robot 4.0, Kiwibot Plus+, has won the world-renowned iF Design Award 2021 for Professional Concept.

Led by Alejandro Otálora, the company’s head designer, it is the first Colombian-run project ever to receive the award in this category.

Almost 10,000 entries were submitted from 52 countries to the world’s oldest independent design organization, Hannover-based iF International Forum Design. [Read more…] about Kiwibot and designer Alejandro Otálora receive iF Design Award

Lilee Systems to launch first autonomous buses for public transportation in Taiwan

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Lilee Systems has received the first permit for self-driving bus commercial services on two designated bus lines in Tainan, Taiwan.

The self-driving fleet, subsidized by the Ministry of Transportation, will generate new revenues to the city’s public transit systems by providing two regular bus services in the science park and between the high-speed railway station and the nearby university, exhibition center and large outlet mall.

This milestone of the innovative autonomous rapid transit system has been achieved through partnership with Kasion Green Energy, Taiwan’s sole distributor of BYD vehicles, and Tainan Bus, one of the largest bus operators servicing over 23-million passengers per year. [Read more…] about Lilee Systems to launch first autonomous buses for public transportation in Taiwan

Geek+ RoboShuttle C200M achieves ETL certification to UL 3100 standard

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Geek+ RoboShuttle C200M has obtained the ETL certification, “setting a new industry milestone as the first ETL certified Bin-to-Person solution to meet the UL3100 standard”, according to the company.

ETL stands for Electrical Testing Laboratories. This is the testing and certification division of Intertek Testing Laboratories, which is based in the UK.

The certification confirms the innovative strength of Geek+’s R&D team and ability to expand globally by developing robotics products that meet the highest standards of quality. [Read more…] about Geek+ RoboShuttle C200M achieves ETL certification to UL 3100 standard

May Mobility partners with umbrella group for trucking associations

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Autonomous vehicle developer May Mobility is working with an umbrella group for trucking associations, the Partnership for Transportation Innovation and Opportunity (PTIO).

The PTIO says that May Mobility has joined the coalition and its mission is to study the impact of autonomous vehicles on the workforce to ensure that the implementation of the technology will “improve quality of life and economic opportunity for all Americans”.

Rohit Bery, May Mobility vice president and chief of staff, says: “Planning for a workforce of the future is a critical component to May Mobility’s mission to support cities with safe, clean, and accessible autonomous shuttles. [Read more…] about May Mobility partners with umbrella group for trucking associations

Canadian Tire and NuPort Robotics to commercialize Canada’s first automated heavy duty trucks

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Canadian Tire Corporation and Toronto based start-up NuPort Robotics, Canada’s first autonomous trucking company, are partnering with the Ontario government to invest $3 million to undertake an automated heavy duty trucking project to test a “first-of-its-kind-in-the-world” technology. 

The breakthrough technology provides a transportation solution for the middle mile, the short-haul shuttle runs that semi-tractor trailers make between distribution centres, warehouses and terminals each day.

It is designed to enable next-generation automated trucks that are more fuel efficient, safer to operate, and provide an enhanced driver experience. [Read more…] about Canadian Tire and NuPort Robotics to commercialize Canada’s first automated heavy duty trucks

Baidu Apollo selected to build landmark 5G intelligent driving project in China

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Baidu, China’s equivalent of Google, says its autonomous car business unit Apollo has jointly won a bid to construct a 5G intelligent driving project in Chengdu in a tender worth RMB 105 million ($16.1 million).

The first project of its kind on Sichuan Province, the win adds to Baidu Apollo’s growing portfolio of smart transportation projects across China, which are leveraging the company’s strengths in AI-powered new infrastructure to bring about an intelligent transformation of transportation and urban management.

As part of the project, Baidu Apollo will develop 30 kilometers of intelligent connected demonstration roads in the Singapore-Sichuan Hi-Tech Innovation Park. [Read more…] about Baidu Apollo selected to build landmark 5G intelligent driving project in China