[240329] #AEye #Tesla #Toyota

1. AEye Introduces Apollo – the First Product in the 4Sight Flex Family

• AEye, Inc. introduces Apollo, the first product in the 4Sight Flex family of lidar sensors.
• Apollo is designed to offer best-in-class range and resolution in a small, power-efficient, and cost-effective form factor.
• It is suitable for both automotive and non-automotive applications, supporting L2+, L3, and L4 functionalities.
• Apollo can be integrated behind the windshield, on the roof, or in the grille of vehicles, minimizing impact on vehicle design.
• It is the only 1550 nm high-performance lidar capable of behind-the-windshield integration.
• CEO Matt Fisch highlights the achievement of launching Apollo within four months of unveiling the initial reference design, showcasing the scalability of AEye’s software-defined architecture.
• Apollo features up to 120° horizontal and 30° vertical field of view, with long-range detection of up to 325 meters at 10% reflectivity and up to 6.2 million points per second (PPS).
• The sensor provides high-resolution imagery within a region of interest as high as 0.025°.
• Apollo utilizes proven components and supply chain partners to minimize technical risk and maximize supply chain readiness, offering competitive pricing for performance.
• Running on AEye’s 4Sight Intelligent Sensing Platform, Apollo provides a highly programmable lidar solution customizable for different applications and reconfigurable through software updates.
• Apollo samples will be available for customer demonstrations in June 2024.

2. AMD Adaptive Computing Technology Powers Sony Semiconductor Solutions LiDAR Automotive Reference Design

• AMD’s adaptive computing technology chosen by Sony Semiconductor Solutions (SSS) for its latest automotive LiDAR reference design.
• Collaboration aims to deliver a powerful and efficient LiDAR solution for autonomous vehicles, enhancing accuracy, data processing speed, and reliability.
• LiDAR technology crucial for depth perception and environmental mapping in autonomous driving, especially in challenging conditions where cameras alone may fall short.
• Standardized LiDAR reference design addresses complexities in autonomous vehicle development, improving safety across diverse driving scenarios.
• Yousef Khalilollahi, AMD’s corporate VP & GM of the Adaptive Computing Group, emphasizes the rapid advancement of LiDAR technology and the dedication to innovation.
• Takayoshi Ozone, GM of Automotive Development at SSS, highlights the significance of integrating AMD adaptive computing technology into their LiDAR reference design.
• The SSS LiDAR reference design utilizes AMD Zynq™ UltraScale+™ MPSoC adaptive SoCs and Artix™-7 FPGAs, providing automakers with a comprehensive perception platform for precise navigation and hazard detection.
• The collaboration leverages AMD’s expertise in scalable computing solutions to optimize the processing capabilities of SSS’ SPAD ToF Depth sensors, ensuring high accuracy and reliability.
• Combined efforts aim to accelerate LiDAR adoption across industries, unlocking new possibilities for autonomous systems.

3. Tesla is pushing a free one-month trial of its FSD Beta driver-assistance software to US customers

• Tesla plans to offer every U.S. customer a one-month trial of its $12,000 Full Self-Driving Beta system, provided their car has compatible hardware.
• Prospective buyers will be mandated to receive a demo of the software before purchasing a Tesla, reportedly at CEO Elon Musk’s request.
• This promotion coincides with Tesla’s end-of-quarter push to meet or exceed sales goals, potentially aiming to incentivize purchases.
• However, this move could risk alienating customers if it adds complexity to Tesla’s typically streamlined buying process.
• The promotion precedes Tesla’s upcoming civil trial related to a fatal 2018 crash involving Autopilot, raising questions about Tesla’s representation of Autopilot’s capabilities.
• Tesla’s new “V12” version of the Full Self-Driving software, relying on neural networks, is receiving praise from supporters, employees, and executives.
  Despite positive feedback, some users have experienced issues with the software.
• By expanding access to the Full Self-Driving Beta, Tesla aims to gather more video data for training neural networks but faces challenges ensuring users adhere to safety instructions and supervise the software adequately.

4. VW to Test Driverless ID Buzz Van With Passengers on Board

• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will conduct realistic tests of its self-driving ID Buzz AD electric van, with passengers on board.
• Carsten Intra, CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, announced plans to offer test drives for customers in Hamburg, starting in the second half of the year.
• Initially, the tests will involve selected users, with the eventual goal of full operation through Volkswagen Group subsidiary Moia.
• The ID Buzz AD vehicles have previously been tested without passengers, but the upcoming trial aims to gauge user reception under real road conditions.
• If feedback is positive, the service will open to everyone by 2026, initially with a safety driver on board for emergency intervention.
• Volkswagen is collaborating with Intel subsidiary Mobileye for the self-driving technology, focusing on ride-sharing mobility services like Moia.
• The project aims to provide affordable and sustainable mobility in major cities, accessible to all.

5. Toyota RAV4 Spotted Testing in India with LiDAR – What’s Happening?

• The Toyota RAV4 was recently spotted testing in India equipped with LiDAR sensors, indicating the testing of autonomous driving technology.
• India serves as an ideal testing ground for new vehicle models due to its diverse topographies and climatic conditions.
• Car manufacturers often conduct testing in India to validate vehicles for global markets and for component testing.
• The sighting of the RAV4 with LiDAR sensors suggests that Toyota may be exploring autonomous driving capabilities for future offerings.
• The presence of four LiDAR sensors and a sticker indicating testing by ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) suggests an evaluation of autonomous driving technology under Indian road conditions.
• Indian roads pose unique challenges for autonomous driving, including unpredictable traffic behavior and road conditions, which require sophisticated technology adaptations.
• Toyota may be aiming to introduce Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in its future vehicles, with the testing phase likely involving data analysis to fine-tune the technology for Indian conditions.