[230505] #LG U+ #Kia #Innoviz

1. Innoviz Technologies named as direct LiDAR supplier for Volkswagen subsidiary CARIAD SE

• • Innoviz Technologies has been selected as the direct LiDAR supplier for CARIAD SE, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, for the automated vehicle segment within the Volkswagen brands.
  • Innoviz will provide InnovizTwo LiDAR sensors and perception software, both of which are crucial elements of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles (AVs).
  • Innoviz has been working closely with CARIAD to understand its engineering needs and optimize processes to support LiDAR-enabled ADAS and automated driving systems.
  • The two companies are evaluating concepts to accelerate the integration of LiDAR systems and improve time to market while lowering overall system costs.
  • Innoviz is set to deliver LiDAR technology for CARIAD’s future ADAS and automated driving functions.
  • The partnership could potentially expand beyond this initial agreement, as the two companies discuss possibilities for further collaboration.

2. Inertial Labs and Hesai Technology Announce Technology Partnership for Lidar Sensors

• • Hesai Technology (HSAI) and Inertial Labs announced a multi-year technology partnership agreement for LiDAR sensors.
  • Inertial Labs chose Hesai’s sensors to provide perception and navigation capabilities for its autonomous marine, land, and aerial-based robotics systems.
  • Hesai’s LiDAR sensor solutions enable robotics systems to operate autonomously and safely without human intervention by providing real-time 3D point cloud data for localization, obstacle detection, and path planning.
  • Hesai’s low-power sensors support autonomous mobile systems in various outdoor environmental conditions, including precipitation from rain, snow & fog and can operate in varying lighting conditions and day and nighttime.
  • Inertial Labs has a history of hardware engineering and is committed to developing cost-effective navigation and perception solutions using advanced sensor-fusion technologies.
  • Inertial Labs’ navigation and Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) provide integrated heading & ego-motion data to the LiDAR data stream, enabling robotic systems to navigate a variety of Operational Design Domains (ODDs) from land, sea, and air.

3. Hirschbach adds autonomous lane in Texas with Aurora

• • Hirschbach, a Nebraska-based trucking company, has partnered with Aurora to test autonomous trucks on a dedicated route in Texas.
  • The partnership includes a fleet of autonomous Class 8 trucks equipped with Aurora’s self-driving technology, which will run on a fixed route between Dallas and Houston, Texas.
  • The autonomous lane is expected to go live in late 2023 and will operate 24/7, using an integrated dispatch system to manage the fleet and load scheduling.
  • The initiative aims to improve safety and efficiency, as well as reduce costs by reducing the need for drivers and improving fuel efficiency through optimized driving patterns.
  • Aurora’s technology includes a suite of sensors, software, and hardware designed to enable vehicles to operate safely and efficiently in a range of driving environments.
  • The partnership with Hirschbach is Aurora’s latest move to expand its autonomous trucking operations, following similar initiatives with PACCAR, Volvo Trucks, and Uber Freight.
  • The development of autonomous trucks is expected to have a significant impact on the trucking industry, potentially reducing costs and improving efficiency, while also raising concerns about job losses for truck drivers.

4. “Managing urban environments without humans around the clock” LG U+ launches ‘Level 4+’ autonomous vehicle era

• • LG U+ has completed an agreement as the lead research institute for the ‘Autonomous Driving Technology Innovation Project’ under the ‘Autonomous Driving-based Urban Environment Management Service R&D’ project hosted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport.
  • The project aims to complete the commercialization foundation for ‘convergent level 4+ autonomous vehicles’ in 2027.
  • LG U+ is participating in five projects, including mobility support mobility service for the transportation disadvantaged and real-time demand response public transportation mobility service.
  • The company plans to use autonomous vehicles to perform road surface cleaning, fine dust and air purification, and epidemic prevention and disinfection around the clock to reduce risk and increase convenience.
  • The vehicles will be eco-friendly and powered by electricity to eliminate secondary air pollution caused by diesel vehicles.
  • To fulfill the project, LG U+ will undertake comprehensive R&D from infrastructure technology to user apps and demonstrations.
  • The company has formed a consortium with eight organizations, including GS E&C, Litec, and Kaist, to develop the necessary technologies.
  • The autonomous vehicle control system operates through the interconnection of WAVE and roadside base stations that support C-V2X and 5G base stations that support V2N communication.
  • The control system collects and analyzes real-time data such as road conditions, cameras, lidar, and radar through 5G communication and roadside base stations.

5. “Let go of the wheel on the highway”: EV9 ushers in the era of real autonomy

• • Hyundai Motor Group has introduced software-driven vehicle (SDV) technology in its latest electric SUV, the EV9.
  • The EV9 is based on the group’s dedicated electric vehicle platform E-GMP and features the ability to purchase software features through the Kia Connect store.
  • The SDV technology includes conditional Level 3 highway partial autonomy (HDP) that allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel and over-the-air software update (OTA) coverage for convenience features such as driver assistance systems (ADAS).
  • The Feature on Demand (FoD) service allows customers to selectively purchase and add software features to their vehicles based on their needs.
  • FoD is available through the Kia Connect store and includes features such as Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA2), Lighting Pattern, and Streaming Plus.
  • Connect Store products are organized around lifetime use with no time limit, but there are also periodic products that can be used on a monthly or yearly basis depending on the customer’s situation.