TuSimple has entered into a global partnership with the TRATON Group to develop self-driving trucks. One of the world's largest commercial vehicle manufacturers with its MAN, Scania, and Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus brands, the TRATON Group is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group.
The first of its kind in Europe, the partnership brings together a global OEM and SAE level 4 (L4) self-driving technology company. TRATON and TuSimple have launched a development program to operate the first SAE level 4 autonomous hub-to-hub route between Södertälje to Jönköping in Sweden using TRATON's Scania trucks.
TRATON has also taken a minority stake in TuSimple as part of the partnership.
Mobility
Mobility
AirMap awarded contract to provide UTM service to USAF's Agility Prime program
AirMap has been awarded a contract to provide UAS traffic management (UTM) services to the United States Air Force’s (USAF) Agility Prime program.
In preparation for scaling of advanced air mobility operations, the USAF will use AirMap’s UTM platform to support testing of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
“AirMap is proud to partner with the USAF to provide industry-leading UTM services for advanced air mobility operations,” says Larry Berkin, GM of the AirMap Defense Group, an AirMap business unit focused on providing mission-critical technologies to the US Department of Defense.
Phoenix Motorcars, EasyMile to develop autonomous bus for city of Houston
The city of Houston will receive the first Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Buy America-compliant mid-size autonomous bus in the US.
Phoenix Motorcars and EasyMile will jointly develop the autonomous bus. Known for developing, deploying and servicing all electric drive systems for Zero Emission Commercial Vehicles, Phoenix Motorcars will equip its range of zero emission vehicle with EasyMile's driverless technology.
US Ignite launches Mountain Express Automated Shuttle at U.S. Army Installation in Colorado
On Tuesday, Sept. 15, US Ignite announced the launch of the Mountain Express Automated Shuttle at Fort Carson, Colorado, a United States Army installation.
An electric vehicle capable of performing all driving functions independently under certain conditions, the Mountain Express will provide passenger service on the post as part of a yearlong effort to test automated vehicle technologies and collect data for future transportation modeling on smart military installations across the country.
Jacksonville Transportation Authority welcomes Olli 2.0 AV to its Test & Learn program
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has welcomed the Olli 2.0 autonomous vehicle from Beep, Local Motors by LM Industries and Robotic Research LLC into its JTA Test & Learn program.
Through a partnership with Beep, Local Motors by LM Industries and Robotic Research, the Olli 2.0 was delivered to Jacksonville in late August. This is Local Motor’s first electric, autonomous, 3D-printed shuttle to be built in the United States. According to JTA, the Olli 2.0 will lead the next phase of the JTA’s Test & Learn activities at Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Cecil Center Campus and the JTA’s Armsdale Test & Learn facilities.
North Carolina A&T awarded $550K to establish Testbed of Connected Autonomous MicroTransit Vehicles
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded an interdisciplinary research team at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (North Carolina A&T) $550,000 to establish a Testbed of Connected Autonomous MicroTransit Vehicles.
Weekend Roundup: September 4, 2020
This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World
Yandex and Uber have announced that they are spinning out their self-driving joint venture into a standalone company. Yandex is also increasing its stake by investing an additional $150 million. (VentureBeat)
Automated trucking technology company Ike announces 'Powered by Ike' customer program
Automated trucking technology developer Ike has announced its “Powered by Ike” customer program.
The program includes partnerships with logistics companies Ryder System Inc., DHL, and NFI, as these companies’ fleets will be among the first to deploy "level 4" automated trucks on highways.
As part of the multi-year Powered by Ike program, these fleets have collectively reserved the first 1,000 Class 8 tractors powered by Ike's technology. Leading up to the launch of a commercial technology, Ike and its fleet customers are working together to provide feedback, perform testing, and prepare to launch and scale up operations.
Pony.ai, Bosch to explore future of automotive maintenance and repair for autonomous fleets
Pony.ai and Bosch have announced an agreement to explore the future of automotive maintenance and repair for autonomous fleets.
To enable the efficient and scalable operation of future commercial autonomous fleets, Pony.ai and Bosch say that their Automotive Aftermarket division in North America plans to develop and pilot “innovative fleet maintenance solutions.”
Bosch operates the Bosch Car Service network, which turns 100 next year. The network is the oldest and largest automotive repair and maintenance network with over 20,000 locations across the world.
Conversations with AUVSI: Beep
Beep is a Florida-based autonomous mobility solution company delivering the next generation of services for passenger mobility to fleet operators in planned communities and low speed environments across the public and private sector, including transportation hubs, medical and university campuses, town centers and more. From route planning to interactive managed services, Beep's offerings are designed to drive differentiation and innovation, and delight the passengers of its customers.
In the second edition of "Conversations with AUVSI," Beep CEO Joe Moye took the time to answer some questions about the company’s background, its various pilot programs, and the work it has done during the COVID-19 pandemic. This interview was conducted in mid-August.
