[250418] #Vueron Technology #Rivian #WeRide

1. Vueron successfully completed a LiDAR-based traffic and pedestrian analysis demonstration project

• Vueron Technology successfully concluded a LiDAR-based demonstration project in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, aimed at real-time traffic and pedestrian analysis.
• The test area included Wasan Bridge, where vehicle traffic was monitored on the bridge and pedestrian/bicycle traffic under the bridge.
• Vueron’s LiDAR system reliably detected and quantified various vehicle types—including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and two-wheelers—in real time.
• The demonstration validated the use of LiDAR as a tool for collecting urban traffic data to support policy-making and traffic flow monitoring.
• Pedestrian and bicycle movements were also accurately tracked in low-light conditions, highlighting the sensor’s strong environmental resilience.
• The system’s anonymous data collection enables privacy-safe smart infrastructure applications.
• The collected data is expected to support initiatives to improve pedestrian safety and walkability.
• Vueron plans to collaborate with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and other local governments to expand public safety and transportation efficiency initiatives.
  

2. WeRide obtains France’s fully driverless permit for road tests, operation

WeRide became the first company to receive a fully driverless road operation permit in France, paving the way for broader autonomous shuttle deployment across Europe.

3. Rivian rolls out hands-free driving via software update

• Rivian has introduced its Enhanced Highway Assist feature through a software update, enabling hands-free driving under certain highway conditions.
• The feature is supported by Rivian’s Gen 2 R1 platform, which includes a zonal electrical architecture that reduces ECUs from 17 to 7 and eliminates 1.6 miles of wiring per vehicle.
• Rivian’s camera-based perception system offers 360-degree awareness, enabling lane changes and vehicle response using real-time sensor fusion.
• Decision-making is powered by AI-based machine learning algorithms, continuously trained using terabytes of anonymized driving data.
• The models are adaptable to various camera types and configurations, allowing for cross-model deployment and easy system upgrades.
• Future updates will be influenced by driver feedback to improve system reliability and performance.
• Rivian plans to expand the Enhanced Highway Assist to more roads in North America later this year.
• In 2026, Rivian aims to release a Level 3-style “hands-off and eyes-off” feature for Gen 2 vehicles under controlled conditions.

4. Daimler Truck and ARX Robotics sign LoI to further digitisation and autonomy in military vehicles

5. Caterpillar taps Luminar’s lidar for self-driving construction equipment

• Caterpillar has partnered with Luminar to integrate lidar sensors into its heavy-duty construction vehicles as part of its Cat Command autonomy platform.
• The initial plan involves installing two lidar sensors on highway trucks used in quarry operations, enabling enhanced autonomous navigation.
• Caterpillar is a long-time leader in autonomous construction equipment, with over 207 million miles driven and 9.3 billion tonnes moved autonomously across three continents.
• The move aims to improve safety, productivity, and efficiency, particularly in high-risk industrial environments.
• This partnership highlights growing interest among industrial equipment makers, like John Deere, in adopting autonomous technologies.
• Lidar, combined with camera data, allows vehicles to detect and navigate around objects without relying on GPS or network connectivity.
• Luminar’s Iris sensors, operating at a 1550nm wavelength, are noted for their ability to see through dust and dirt, making them ideal for construction sites.
• Luminar continues to expand through major partnerships with global companies including Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Toyota Research Institute, and Pony.ai.