[240830] #Innoviz #BMW #Lenovo

1. Innoviz LiDARs to be deployed across US

• Innoviz Technologies and The Indoor Lab have formed a distribution agreement to deploy InnovizTwo LiDARs at major US airports including Denver, Tampa, and Nashville.
• This collaboration aims to enhance airport safety and efficiency by providing advanced 3D sensing tools and accurate data analytics.
• The Indoor Lab is transitioning from camera-based to LiDAR-based solutions for better data accuracy and quality, utilizing machine learning and AI.
• The deployment of InnovizTwo LiDARs will help in monitoring and managing airport operations, ensuring a safer environment for travelers.
• InnovizTwo LiDAR sensors offer high point cloud density and frames per second, enhancing the Indoor Lab’s Artemis perception platform.
• Innoviz Technologies’ CEO emphasized the importance of safety in crowded areas, highlighting the partnership’s potential to improve airport safety and effectiveness globally.

2. BMW Combines Level 2 & 3 Autonomous Driving

• BMW is the first carmaker to integrate Level 2 and Level 3 driving assistance systems in the new 7 Series, marking a major milestone in automated driving technology.
• The Level 2 BMW Highway Assistant provides enhanced comfort on long journeys, enabling hands-free driving and autonomous lane changes on motorways up to 130 km/h (81 mph).
• The Level 3 BMW Personal Pilot allows highly automated driving in traffic jams up to 60 km/h (37 mph), enabling drivers to focus on other activities like phone calls or streaming.
• BMW’s new 7 Series sets a new standard for safety, comfort, and innovation in the automotive industry by combining these advanced systems.

3. Lenovo Vehicle Computing rolls off AD1 domain controller for L4 autonomous driving

• Lenovo Vehicle Computing announced the production of its AD1 domain controller for L4 autonomous driving at its Hefei base, making it one of the first Tier 1 suppliers to integrate NVIDIA DRIVE Thor.
• The AD1 controller offers 2,100 TOPS in AI acceleration, meets ISO 26262 ASIL D and ISO 21434 standards, and is designed for commercial autonomous vehicles like Robotaxis and RoboTrucks.
• Lenovo’s AD1 is based on NVIDIA DRIVE OS and is chosen by WeRide for next-gen autonomous technologies.

4. Mitsubishi Fuso’s Autonomous Garbage Truck Follows Its Driver Like A Pet

• The Mitsubishi Fuso eCanter Sensor Collect is an advanced EV garbage truck that follows its driver and can be remotely operated.
• Tested in Kawasaki, Japan, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment, it demonstrated effective use case scenarios in November 2023.
• Equipped with Level 2 ADAS, it follows a predetermined collection route at low speeds and features multiple cameras for obstacle detection and maneuvering.
• The truck significantly reduces the workload by following the driver and stopping at collection points, avoiding the need for the driver to frequently enter and exit the vehicle.
• It includes a garbage information sharing system that tracks and reports the weight, volume, and number of pieces of garbage to central facilities for improved efficiency.
• The program aims to reduce CO2 emissions and increase work efficiency, with ongoing demonstrations throughout 2024 to aid the development of next-generation EV trucks.
• The concept, first built in 2020, is an improved version of the production eCanter, featuring a lithium-ion battery and a gross vehicle weight of 6.4 tons.

5. Waymo robotaxis have made their standby parking lot into a honking mess

• Waymo robotaxis in San Francisco are disturbing residents with frequent honking during pre-dawn hours and evening rush hour as they navigate a parking lot.
• Residents report that the noise has become more disruptive as the number of cars has increased, with honking sometimes lasting for up to an hour.
• Waymo acknowledges the issue and is working on a fix after identifying the cause of the honking.
• Videos of the honking cars have circulated on social media, with some locals livestreaming the activity, though they note the honking is the primary concern.