[250107] #Waymo #Einride #AEye

1. Waymo is sending autonomous vehicles to Japan for first international tests

• Waymo is deploying 25 autonomous vehicles in Tokyo in early 2025 for data collection on Japanese driving conditions, including left-hand traffic and dense urban environments.
• The vehicles will initially be driven manually for mapping purposes and managed by local taxi operator Nihon Kotsu, with future hands-free autonomous testing planned.
• Waymo emphasized this as a learning trip, with no immediate plans to launch a robotaxi service in Tokyo but aiming to understand the local transportation landscape.
• GO, a popular Japanese taxi app, is part of the partnership, hinting at potential future ride-hailing service integration similar to Waymo’s collaboration with Uber in the US.
• Waymo’s US robotaxi business is growing, with 700 vehicles across several cities and plans to expand to Atlanta and Miami by 2026, providing 175,000 paid trips per week.
• Japan has seen limited AV progress compared to China and the US, as local automakers like Toyota and Nissan prioritize robotaxi development in other markets, particularly China.
• Waymo’s expansion into Tokyo signals confidence in its technology as other companies scale back on robotaxi projects, such as GM’s recent decision to stop funding Cruise.

  

2. Einride Relies on IVEX’ Software for Autonomous Driving Development

• Einride, a leader in sustainable autonomous transport, has used IVEX’s software tools for the past three years to enhance safety validation, data analytics, and runtime monitoring.
• IVEX’s Trajectory Checker and Data Analytics modules optimize trajectory validation and perform robust safety checks under diverse conditions.
• Einride credits IVEX’s tools for supporting the deployment of the world’s first driverless truck on a public road.
• Collaboration with IVEX has enabled customized improvements to the tools, advancing Einride’s autonomous vehicle technology.
• IVEX’s solutions ensure Einride’s autonomous vehicles operate safely, efficiently, and reliably, setting a benchmark for the autonomous vehicle industry.

Einride leverages IVEX’s software tools to enhance safety, data analytics, and validation, enabling the world’s first driverless truck deployment.

3. AEye to Offer Live Demonstrations of its Apollo Lidar Sensor at CES 2025

• AEye will showcase its Apollo lidar sensor at CES 2025 in Las Vegas from January 7 to 10, offering both showroom and in-vehicle live demonstrations.
• The Apollo sensor recently achieved a milestone by detecting objects at distances of up to one kilometer, setting a new performance benchmark in the lidar market.
• Apollo features the smallest form factor in the industry, making it a standout solution for automotive safety and security applications.
• AEye CEO Matt Fisch emphasized that high-resolution, long-range data is crucial for AI-powered systems to quickly identify and react to objects, especially at high speeds.
• Apollo’s combination of long-range lidar and AI-powered decision-making offers a strong alternative or enhancement to conventional camera-based imaging technologies, advancing vehicle safety.

4. Genesis unveils heated glass tech in readiness for autonomous driving

5. STRADVISION to Debut Production-Ready ‘SVNet 3D Perception Network’ at CES® 2025

• STRADVISION will showcase the production-ready version of its SVNet 3D Perception Network at CES 2025 in Las Vegas from January 7-10.
• The SVNet 3D Perception Network converts 2D camera data into 3D environmental maps, enhancing ADAS and autonomous driving (Level 2+ and beyond) capabilities.
• Key advancements include: SurroundVision for greater adaptability in diverse weather, climates, and complex environments.
• New autonomous parking capabilities, advancing toward full vehicle autonomy.
• Mass production readiness with a Start of Production (SoP) set for 2026.
• Global expansion into new manufacturing regions to meet increasing demand.
• Live demonstrations at CES 2025 will showcase MultiVision capabilities and new parking functionality, proving real-world deployment readiness.
• CEO Junhwan Kim highlighted STRADVISION’s rapid transition from prototype to production, emphasizing its role in redefining automotive adaptability and functionality.