[241004] #Hyundai #Uber # Waymo

1. Autonomous Truck Company Torc Robotics Aims To Scale

• In 2022, Torc Robotics and Daimler Truck hosted an event emphasizing a conservative approach to autonomous truck deployment, projecting a 2027 launch for scalable autonomous trucks, unlike competitors’ earlier claims.
• Torc’s CEO, Peter Schmidt, reaffirmed the 2027 timeline, noting that autonomous trucks require greater safety measures, longer stopping distances, and more advanced sensor and AI technology than cars.
• While there have been breakthroughs in AI and sensor technology, the focus is on scaling production by 2027 with cost-efficient, reliable, and easy-to-service trucks.
• Daimler’s expertise in high-volume manufacturing and dealership support will enable Torc to meet rising demand, particularly on the I-35 corridor from Laredo to Dallas, where there is significant freight volume.
• Texas, especially Laredo, is becoming a key hub for autonomous truck deployment, with necessary infrastructure and AV-friendly regulations being developed.
• There are ongoing discussions around weigh station protocols, with plans for departure and arrival checks to allow AV trucks to bypass weigh stations.
• The trucks will require dedicated fuel stations, and economics will be crucial, with a goal for one-year payback on AV trucks due to lower operating costs, better fleet utilization, and improved fuel efficiency.

2.Hyundai Self-Driving Car Gets US Driving License

• Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, an all-electric SUV, passed the US self-driving car licensing test on the streets of Las Vegas.
• 70% of Americans are hesitant to trust self-driving cars, but Hyundai took on the challenge, testing the Ioniq 5 under real-world conditions.
• The vehicle underwent the same driving exam as human drivers, assessed by strict examiner Kandice Jones, and passed key tests like speed control, lane changes, stops, and maneuvering.
• The Ioniq 5’s success is seen as a potential game-changer for people with disabilities, offering a future of safe, autonomous transportation.
• This achievement highlights Hyundai’s progress in autonomous driving technology, bringing the vision of driverless cars closer to reality.

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 passed the US self-driving car licensing test in Las Vegas, marking a major step forward in autonomous driving technology.

3. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving v12.5 rollout on HW3 failed, what happens next?

• Tesla’s rollout of Full Self-Driving (FSD) v12.5 has faced delays, especially for HW3 vehicles, despite promises from Elon Musk.
• Elon Musk initially promised HW3 would support full self-driving (FSD) via software updates, but Tesla later introduced HW4 without retrofits for older models.
• FSD v12.5 was first deployed to HW4 vehicles, with Musk explaining that optimizing the software for the less powerful HW3 would take more time.
• As of late August 2023, Tesla began pushing v12.5 to some HW3 vehicles, but it was a limited release, running a smaller model compared to HW4.
• The vast majority of HW3 owners are still on v12.3.6, with many frustrated by the lack of updates and communication from Tesla.
• Tesla’s AI roadmap released recently indicates HW3 will receive the same update as HW4 starting with v12.5.2, but HW4 is already moving to v12.5.3.
• Despite Elon Musk’s previous claims that Tesla is no longer compute-constrained, the lack of unsupervised self-driving mentions in Tesla’s updates has led to disappointment for HW3 and HW4 owners.
• There is speculation that Tesla may shift its focus to dedicated robotaxi vehicles, leaving HW3 and HW4 owners uncertain about the future of their self-driving capabilities.

4. Uber and Waymo to offer driverless rides in Austin

5. Mitsubishi develops autonomous distribution yard logistics platform

• Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America (MEAA) is developing the HubPilot autonomous yard logistics platform, set to be fully operational in 2025.
• Initially designed for geofenced distribution centers and logistics hubs, the platform has the potential for future on-road applications for autonomous vehicles.
• HubPilot uses multi-sensor inputs, LIDAR, and high-definition mapping for precise localization and real-time tracking of trailers in SAE Level 4 autonomous operations.
• The platform automates tasks like trailer connection, air brake handling, and avoids obstacles with 24/7 monitoring to enhance safety and security.
• LIDAR sensors are placed on yard infrastructure to eliminate vehicle blind spots, improving visibility and efficiency.
• Human input is still required for logistics management, but the platform aims to address labor shortages and optimize yard operations.
• MEAA is completing the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) phase and will move to production in 2025 at its first site, with plans for wider deployment at other locations that same year.