[230609] #Waymo #TuSimple #Plus

1. Franklin Resources Inc. Purchases Significant Stake in Autonomous Vehicle Tech Company Mobileye Global Inc.

• • Franklin Resources Inc., a seasoned investment firm, has purchased a new position in Mobileye Global Inc. by acquiring 396,565 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $13,904,000.
  • The investment indicates Franklin Resources Inc.’s confidence in Mobileye Global’s growth potential and market competitiveness in autonomous driving technology.
  • Mobileye Global is a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, offering cutting-edge solutions powered by advanced computer vision systems and artificial intelligence.
  • Mobileye’s partnerships with companies like Volkswagen and Intel position it to revolutionize transportation, freight logistics, construction equipment operations, and security surveillance systems.
  • Franklin Resources Inc.’s sizable stake in Mobileye, valued at approximately 0.76% of the company, reflects their positive view of Mobileye’s current status and future potential.

2. Self-driving Waymo car kills dog amid increasing concern over robotaxis

• • A Waymo self-driving robotaxi hit and killed a dog in San Francisco.
  • The incident occurred when the Waymo vehicle was in autonomous mode, with a safety driver present.
  • The dog was on a leash and in the crosswalk when it was struck by the vehicle.
  • Witnesses reported that the car did not slow down or stop before hitting the dog.
  • Waymo expressed sadness and stated that they were working with local authorities to investigate the incident.
  • This incident highlights the challenges and risks associated with self-driving technology in real-world scenarios.
  • Critics argue that self-driving vehicles still have limitations in recognizing and reacting to unpredictable situations, such as the sudden movements of animals or pedestrians.
  • The incident raises questions about the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles, particularly in complex urban environments.
  • Animal rights advocates emphasize the need for self-driving technology to prioritize the safety of all living beings, including animals.
  • It remains to be seen how this incident will impact the ongoing development and deployment of self-driving vehicles.

3. Einride Electric Autonomous Truck Company To Partner With UAE

• • Swedish autonomous trucking company Einride has formed a partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to deploy its driverless vehicles.
  • The partnership aims to enhance the UAE’s logistics sector and promote the adoption of autonomous transportation solutions.
  • Einride’s electric and autonomous trucks, known as “Pods,” will be deployed in the UAE to transport goods on public roads.
  • The collaboration will include the testing and validation of Einride’s technology in the UAE’s unique environmental conditions.
  • The partnership aligns with the UAE’s vision to become a global hub for advanced technologies and autonomous mobility.
  • Einride’s Pod system enables remote operation of the vehicles, eliminating the need for an onboard driver.
  • The deployment of autonomous trucks can potentially improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety in the logistics industry.
  • The UAE government has been actively supporting the development and adoption of autonomous vehicles through various initiatives and regulations.

4. TuSimple’s autonomous trucks commence testing on expressway in Japan

• • Autonomous trucking company TuSimple has started testing its self-driving trucks on an expressway in Japan.
  • The tests are conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan.
  • TuSimple’s trucks will operate on a 50-kilometer stretch of the Shin-Tomei Expressway in Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture.
  • The testing phase will assess the performance and capabilities of TuSimple’s autonomous technology in real-world conditions.
  • TuSimple’s trucks will be equipped with an advanced array of cameras and sensors to perceive the surrounding environment.
  • The collaboration with Japan demonstrates TuSimple’s expansion beyond its operations in the United States and China.
  • TuSimple plans to establish a development and testing center in Japan to further advance its autonomous trucking technology.

5. Luminar and Plus Partner for LiDAR and AI-Based Assisted Driving Software for Trucking

• • Luminar, a leading LiDAR technology company, has partnered with autonomous trucking company Plus to develop assisted driving software for trucks.
  • The partnership aims to combine Luminar’s advanced LiDAR technology with Plus’s AI-based autonomous driving system for commercial trucks.
  • The collaboration will focus on integrating Luminar’s high-performance LiDAR sensors into Plus’s autonomous trucking platform.
  • The combined solution will enhance the perception capabilities of autonomous trucks, enabling safer and more reliable operations.
  • Luminar’s LiDAR technology provides precise and detailed 3D mapping of the truck’s surroundings, enabling accurate object detection and tracking.
  • Plus’s AI-based system will utilize the data from Luminar’s LiDAR sensors to make real-time driving decisions and navigate complex road scenarios.
  • The partnership aims to accelerate the deployment of autonomous trucks and improve the safety and efficiency of long-haul transportation.