[241105] #Zoox #Aurora #GM

1. Zoox testing waters of autonomous driving ahead of robotaxi launch

• Zoox, an autonomous vehicle company owned by Amazon, has been testing self-driving Toyota Highlanders in Las Vegas since 2019 to build a database and test its technology for a robotaxi service set to launch in 2025.
• The company’s Las Vegas headquarters includes a 190,000-square-foot warehouse and 16,000-square-foot office space, where it maintains its fleet and oversees operations.
• The Toyota Highlanders being tested will not be used for passenger services; instead, specially built robotaxis equipped with the same driverless technology will be used for ride-hailing.
• Las Vegas is an ideal location for testing due to government cooperation, diverse road conditions, and constant construction that provides valuable data.
• Zoox’s robotaxis feature bi-directional driving, four-wheel steering, sliding doors, and a luxurious interior designed for a comfortable user experience with crash safety measures.
• The company partners with local law enforcement to ensure safety and regularly updates them on technological advancements.
• Zoox has formed a partnership with the Vegas Golden Knights, with plans to transport fans to games using its robotaxi fleet once the service is operational.

2. Aurora on the ‘why, how, and when’ of autonomous trucking

• Aurora Industries aims to bring fully autonomous trucks to public roads by the end of this year, prioritizing safety and developing systems to address the driver shortage and improve road safety.
• The Aurora Driver system uses a combination of LiDAR, cameras, and AI, with simulations to handle rare accidents and improve system reliability through data collection.
• Aurora’s testing is primarily done on I-45 between Dallas and Houston, with 80% of the driving being fully autonomous, aiming for a driverless route from Fort Worth to Phoenix by the end of 2025.
• Aurora’s sustainability research suggests autonomous trucks could be 13-32% more fuel efficient than conventional trucks, with further sustainability improvements expected through eco-driving modes and next-gen powertrains by the 2030s.
• The company’s long-term goals include expanding autonomous operations beyond the Sun Belt region by 2030 to handle new terrains and weather conditions.

Aurora Industries is advancing autonomous trucks, aiming for a driverless route by 2025 and predicting up to 32% better fuel efficiency, with a focus on safety and sustainability.

3. GM is Developing a Hands-Off, Eyes-Off Driving System

• GM is working to develop a Level 3 (L3) hands-off, eyes-off driving system, advancing from its current Super Cruise (Level 2) system.
• L3 systems, unlike fully autonomous cars, allow vehicles to drive on highways at reduced speeds without driver attention but still require drivers to take control if necessary.
• GM’s Super Cruise currently uses a combination of GPS, lidar, cameras, and radar to automate steering, lane keeping, and lane changes while ensuring driver attention.
• By 2025, Super Cruise will be available on 750,000 miles of roads in the U.S. and Canada.
• Dave Richardson, GM’s Senior VP, says achieving L3 capability will be a significant milestone and could be a “game changer” in the automotive industry.

4. Ford Otosan tests Level-4 autonomous truck on Turkey’s closed highway

5. Lidar chip startup Lidwave closes $10M investment

• Lidwave Ltd. raised $10 million in seed funding to enhance its lidar chip technology, led by Jumpspeed Ventures and Next Gear with participation from other investors including a Swedish truck maker.
• Lidwave’s lidar sensor is an integrated chip that works in adverse weather conditions (rain, fog, snow) and is easier to maintain and cheaper to manufacture than traditional systems.
• The chip integrates light generation, detection, and amplification into a single piece of silicon, removing the need for complex calibration and reducing temperature sensitivity and maintenance.
• Lidwave’s Odem lidar sensor can detect objects over 900 feet with a refresh rate of up to 30 frames per second, improving the accuracy of collision avoidance algorithms in autonomous systems.
• The funds will be used for technology development and go-to-market strategies.