[230725] #Aurora #Quanergy #Baidu

1. Aurora Innovation raises $820M in fresh capital

• • Aurora Innovation, a self-driving technology company, has successfully raised $820 million in a Series C funding round.
  • The funding round was led by Baillie Gifford, a British investment management firm known for backing companies like Tesla and SpaceX.
  • The additional capital brings Aurora Innovation’s valuation to over $10 billion.
  • The company aims to further develop its autonomous driving technology and accelerate its commercialization efforts.
  • Aurora’s self-driving system is designed for various vehicle types, including trucks and passenger cars.
  • The company has formed partnerships with major automakers and logistics companies to deploy its technology in the transportation industry.

2. Quanergy Solutions was selected by an international delivery services company to address challenges at distribution facilities

• • Quanergy Solutions, a provider of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, has been chosen by an international delivery services company to address challenges at its distribution facilities.
  • The delivery services company aims to enhance safety and efficiency in its distribution centers using Quanergy’s 3D LiDAR-based solution.
  • Quanergy’s LiDAR technology will be implemented to monitor and optimize the movement of vehicles and packages within the distribution facilities.
  • The LiDAR system will enable real-time tracking of objects and vehicles, reducing the risk of collisions and improving overall operational productivity.
  • Quanergy’s solution is known for its accuracy, reliability, and ability to provide precise data in challenging environmental conditions.

3. Baidu’s driverless cars ‘hit and run’ in China

• • A driverless, AI-powered vehicle in China, developed by Baidu, allegedly caused a collision and left the scene in a hit-and-run incident.
  • A video showed Baidu’s self-driving test vehicle making an abrupt lane change, colliding with a car, and then driving away from the scene.
  • The incident led to controversy and criticism, with Chinese netizens pointing out that the driverless test car should take full responsibility for the accident.
  • Baidu’s spokesperson claimed that the accident was minor, involving contact with the tire of the other vehicle, and they have already handled the case with the driver, denying it as a hit-and-run.

4. Cruise starts initial robotaxi testing in Miami

• • Cruise, a self-driving technology company, has commenced the initial testing of its robotaxi service in Miami, Florida.
  • The testing phase includes a fleet of autonomous vehicles operating on the roads of Miami to provide transportation services to passengers.
  • Initially, the vehicles will have human safety drivers on board to take control if needed during the testing process.
  • The testing in Miami is a crucial step for Cruise as it aims to deploy a commercial robotaxi service in the city in the future.
  • The company plans to expand its testing and operations in Miami as it progresses toward a fully driverless and commercial service.

5. Kodiak, Drivewyze Piloting New Autonomous Truck Inspection Program

• • Kodiak Robotics, an autonomous trucking company, has partnered with Drivewyze, a provider of weigh station bypass services, to launch an autonomous truck inspection program.
  • The program aims to improve efficiency and safety by allowing Kodiak’s self-driving trucks to undergo inspections without the need for the trucks to stop at weigh stations.
  • Drivewyze’s PreClear weigh station bypass service will be integrated into Kodiak’s autonomous trucks, enabling them to receive clearance to bypass weigh stations based on their compliance records and safety ratings.
  • The collaboration aims to streamline operations for Kodiak’s autonomous trucks and enhance their productivity while maintaining safety standards.
  • The autonomous truck inspection program is expected to offer time and cost savings for Kodiak, as well as potential benefits for the trucking industry as a whole.