Autonomous | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Thu, 30 Mar 2023 14:43:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png Autonomous | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Samsung now has permission to test self-driving cars in California https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/samsung-now-has-permission-to-test-self-driving-cars-in-california/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/samsung-now-has-permission-to-test-self-driving-cars-in-california/#respond Wed, 06 Sep 2017 10:17:08 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=346028 A few months back, Samsung managed to obtain permission to test its self-driving car technology over on its home-turf, South Korea. Since then, Samsung has branched out a bit, with the company now being given permission to test its self-driving cars in California, alongside the likes of Google, Apple and Nvidia. This news comes from …

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A few months back, Samsung managed to obtain permission to test its self-driving car technology over on its home-turf, South Korea. Since then, Samsung has branched out a bit, with the company now being given permission to test its self-driving cars in California, alongside the likes of Google, Apple and Nvidia.

This news comes from the list of companies signed to the Autonomous Vehicle Tester Program, which was updated last week to include companies like Samsung, Nvidia, BMW, Bosch, Apple and more. Samsung has been testing its cars in South Korea since May using Hyundai cars as a base and adding on the necessary sensors and software.

Image Credit: Motor Authority

Samsung has had a self-driving car division since 2015 but given that the company is using vehicles from car manufacturers, it is safe to assume that Samsung's focus is purely on the software side of things. We won't be seeing Samsung build an entire car, unlike Apple or Google, which have toyed around with the idea.

With Samsung now testing on US roads too, it should be able to keep up a bit better with rival tech companies.

KitGuru Says: A lot of major tech companies are jumping on to the self-driving car train. Unfortunately, a lot of them have also gone pretty quiet this year, so it's difficult to tell who is really ahead. Have you guys been following the evolution of self-driving cars?

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‘Apple Car’ project lives on, testing permit awarded in California https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/paul-taylor/apple-car-project-lives-on-testing-permit-awarded-in-california/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/paul-taylor/apple-car-project-lives-on-testing-permit-awarded-in-california/#respond Fri, 14 Apr 2017 18:26:52 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=330468 We all knew that Apple had the hots for cars. First they went after McLaren, then they put 1,000 people working on Project Titan, aka the ‘Apple Car' (but the project had been rumoured to have been shelved due to internal issues at Apple), and now it seems that the company plans to go ahead …

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We all knew that Apple had the hots for cars. First they went after McLaren, then they put 1,000 people working on Project Titan, aka the ‘Apple Car' (but the project had been rumoured to have been shelved due to internal issues at Apple), and now it seems that the company plans to go ahead with autonomous vehicles under one form or another.

Apple has just been awarded a license by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to unleash its driverless test wheelies on the unsuspecting populace of California. The big question is whether Apple has built a driverless car or has it strapped some brains onto a retail vehicle as an aftermarket upgrade. This is the most likely case for Apple right now, as it is definitely not in the car-making business.

Truth be said, the license only confirms that Apple's autonomous vehicle initiative isn't completely dead.

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Apple happens to be a bit late to the party being the last on a rather long list of companies, which include usual suspects Mercedes, GM, Volkswagen, Tesla, Uber, Nissan, Ford and Honda, who have been awarded said permit to commence testing of the autonomous vehicles.

On April 25th, the California DMV will hold another public hearing on Driverless Autonomous Vehicles regulations, after the initial 45-day consultation period, eventually working in some details already garnered from the vehicle testing and their deployment in California.

Information released by the California DMV on autonomous vehicles also reveals that Google has had the lion's share of autonomous vehicle accidents, so far, during the test period.

KîtGuru Says: Autonomous vehicles still have a barrage of legislation to overcome until other States in the USA begin to open up their roads. Buying an autonomous vehicle only to have tell you “Hold the wheel” when you cross a state line sounds like a major no-no.

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U.S. report suggests Tesla autopilot reduces crashes by 40 per cent https://www.kitguru.net/channel/jon-martindale/u-s-report-suggests-tesla-autopilot-reduces-crashes-by-40-per-cent/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/jon-martindale/u-s-report-suggests-tesla-autopilot-reduces-crashes-by-40-per-cent/#respond Fri, 20 Jan 2017 11:42:16 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=318232 A report by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not only vindicated Tesla with regards to the first person to die while using its Autopilot software, but has backed up its safety claims. It turns out that installing Tesla Autopilot software can reduce your chance of being in a car crash by as …

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A report by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not only vindicated Tesla with regards to the first person to die while using its Autopilot software, but has backed up its safety claims. It turns out that installing Tesla Autopilot software can reduce your chance of being in a car crash by as much as 40 per cent.

Although the introduction of Tesla's autopilot, semi-autonomous car software saw many people excited to take their hands off of the wheel, that was dampened somewhat when a few months later a man died while using it. Purportedly neither the driver, nor the software saw a stark white tractor trailer and ploughed right into it.

That raised a lot of concerns from people, who were worried that the autopilot software may make driving more dangerous, rather than less so. With that in mind, the NHTSA launched an investigation, but the results suggest that autopilot was not only not to blame for the accident, but across the board made people far less likely to have them.

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The particular part of the Autopilot software suite that had regulators concerned, was Autosteer, which controls lane positioning and can take over and move you out of the way of potential incidents or obstacles. It was thought that it may not be smart enough to truly help drivers and could possibly cause accidents of its own. However it turns out that Autosteer is the biggest safety improvement with Autopilot and is responsible for most of the reduction in crashes seen in Tesla vehicles.

This brings to an end all regulatory investigations into the accident and goes a long way to vindicate Tesla's software. Although Bloomberg does report that independent body, the National Transportation Safety Board, is still looking into the incident, it has no power to regulate Tesla should it come to a negative conclusion.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Autonomous features have been shown to potentially be as effective at preventing fatalities as the introduction of seatbelts. The impact could be enormous and for that reason alone, it seems foolish not to consider augmenting all cars with some measure of autonomy.

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Panasonic wants to partner with Tesla on more than batteries https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/panasonic-wants-to-partner-with-tesla-on-more-than-batteries/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/panasonic-wants-to-partner-with-tesla-on-more-than-batteries/#respond Thu, 19 Jan 2017 09:24:45 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=318068 Panasonic has announced its intention to expand its current partnership with electric car marker Tesla, beyond the battery manufacturing deal the two currently have together. CEO at the company, Kazuhiro Tsuga said in an interview that he would like to see the company expand into autonomous driving sensors that could help augment Tesla's driverless systems. …

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Panasonic has announced its intention to expand its current partnership with electric car marker Tesla, beyond the battery manufacturing deal the two currently have together. CEO at the company, Kazuhiro Tsuga said in an interview that he would like to see the company expand into autonomous driving sensors that could help augment Tesla's driverless systems.

As it stands, Panasonic is the exclusive supplier of lithium-ion batteries used in Tesla's various electric vehicles. It has also invested more than $1.6 billion in the company's Gigafactory 1, which when online, will produce more li-ion batteries than the entire world's supply in 2013. But it seems Panasonic wants to do more than just make batteries.

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Tesla will need to massively expand production to meet the 400,000 pre-orders for the Model 3

The announcement was made by Panasonic's CEO, who praised the relationship the company had with Tesla, as well as highlighting its admiration for the car company's autonomous systems. Reuters reports that Panasonic may begin producing the CMOS imaging sensors that make up an important part of Tesla's “Autopilot,” sensor suite.

Other aspects of the vehicles it may begin producing in the future include cockpit displays and navigational systems. This comes at a time where Panasonic is looking to move away from its traditional consumer-focused strategy, as other Asian-market rivals have made it difficult to compete on price in the region. Instead Panasonic wants to expand its corporate partnerships and to leverage more of its manufacturing pedigree to continue growth.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: One of Tesla's biggest issues is supply. While it has plenty of people who want to buy Tesla vehicles, it needs to increase production if it wants to make more of an impact with its electric cars. Forging better partnerships with traditional manufacturing firms seems like a good way to do that. 

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TomTom wants to be leader in autonomous driving development https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/tomtom-wants-to-be-leader-in-autonomous-driving-development/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/tomtom-wants-to-be-leader-in-autonomous-driving-development/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2017 12:50:39 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=317988 Satellite navigation device maker TomTom, has purchased an autonomous vehicle developer. The Berlin based startup is aptly named, Autonomous and has previously provided research and development consultancy services for a number of automated vehicle systems around the world. Although TomTom is most well known for its navigational systems, it has also put a lot of …

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Satellite navigation device maker TomTom, has purchased an autonomous vehicle developer. The Berlin based startup is aptly named, Autonomous and has previously provided research and development consultancy services for a number of automated vehicle systems around the world.

Although TomTom is most well known for its navigational systems, it has also put a lot of time and monetary expenditure into developing mapping technologies. Those go hand in hand with navigation, but have also been used to help develop certain autonomous systems. With the acquisition of Autonomous, TomTom looks set to become much more entrenched in the fledgling industry.

Autonomous was originally established in 2012 and has since provided assistance to companies in the fields of 3D sensor technology, autonomous software development, digital image processing and autonomous research projects. The team at Autonomous is expected to help TomTom further develop its map-based products further, as well as produce new autonomous driving applications.

“This is an important development for TomTom as it will help us to continue to strengthen our capabilities for the future of driving and expand our knowledge and expertise,” said Harold Goddijn, CEO and co-founder of TomTom. “With this deal we are further positioning ourselves as one of the leaders in autonomous driving.”

No details about the acquisition price have been confirmed, though we may learn more in earnings reports for this quarter when they are released in the next few months.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It makes sense for companies who have previously augmented human drivers, to look to do the same for autonomous systems. They will be left out in the cold otherwise. 

Image source: Karlis Dambrans/Flickr

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Tesla to take on Uber in ride sharing program https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/tesla-to-take-on-uber-in-ride-sharing-program/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/tesla-to-take-on-uber-in-ride-sharing-program/#comments Fri, 21 Oct 2016 10:25:39 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=309403 Although there are still plenty of car manufacturers pumping out new designs for human controlled, combustion equipped vehicles, many believe the writing is on the wall for the car industry. Along with being electric, our cars are going to drive us around autonomously and we may not even own them – that's why Tesla plans …

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Although there are still plenty of car manufacturers pumping out new designs for human controlled, combustion equipped vehicles, many believe the writing is on the wall for the car industry. Along with being electric, our cars are going to drive us around autonomously and we may not even own them – that's why Tesla plans to launch its own Uber-like, ride sharing program.

Uber previously announced that it was going to gradually move towards driverless vehicles, beginning with small pilot schemes in some cities before pushing the scheme worldwide as the technology improves. In a tense, it's getting into the autonomous car game. Tesla, which is already a big player in that field, wants to cross itself into Uber's playspace, offering a ride sharing scheme using its electric, autonomous vehicles.

Tesla founder Elon Musk said earlier this week, that it was the company's plan to continue developing its autopilot system until full-autonomy was possible. However the notion of official Tesla ride sharing was mentioned in a disclaimer for the Model S' current autopilot features.

“Please note that using a self-driving Tesla for car sharing and ride hailing for friends and family is fine, but doing so for revenue purposes will only be permissible on the Tesla Network, details of which will be released next year,” it reads (via Reuters).

press_autopilot2

All future Teslas will be built with cameras, ultrasonic and radar sensors.

Beyond the first insinuation that Tesla would be getting into the taxi business, what's interesting there is that it wants to stop other people from doing it. One of the suggested futures we may see with autonomous vehicles, is communities owning them together, or people renting theirs out during the day when they don't need it, in order to reduce parking space and the number of necessary vehicles on the road, while helping cover the costs for the initial purchase.

However if people are legally unable to make money from such a venture, the uptake of truly autonomous vehicles may be lessened. Of course if none of us are buying cars because there are so many affordable ride share options, that's not a problem, but it's interesting to note that Tesla wants to corner such a market itself.

It seems like we'll need to wait until 2017 to hear the details of what the “Tesla Network,” will be like, but perhaps it won't completely cut out consumers. Maybe it would mean giving a license fee or similar to Tesla if you use one of its vehicles for monetary purposes.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Perhaps the reason Tesla would want a share of any ride sharing, is because the system will use its cloud platform for navigation and decision making purposes. If so, it doesn't want to end up funding other companies' business ventures. 

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Apple may have halted car development because of low margins https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/apple-may-have-halted-car-development-because-of-low-margins/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/apple-may-have-halted-car-development-because-of-low-margins/#respond Tue, 18 Oct 2016 11:14:19 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=308942 Even though a number of car manufacturers around the world are increasing the amount of technology their vehicles utilise, it turns out that the market for tech companies getting into the car game may not be as worthwhile. Rumour has it that Apple's Project Titan has been massively scaled back, because the margins simply aren't …

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Even though a number of car manufacturers around the world are increasing the amount of technology their vehicles utilise, it turns out that the market for tech companies getting into the car game may not be as worthwhile. Rumour has it that Apple's Project Titan has been massively scaled back, because the margins simply aren't good enough.

According to articles from Bloomberg and Fast Company, the 1,000+ strong team that were working on Apple's rumoured car development, Project Titan, has been mostly disbanded, with only a few hundred remaining. While this is still a large team, it represents a significant scale back from Apple and a suggestion that it may no longer be set to create its very own car.

Developing cars from the ground up is no easy task. As well as expensive – hardly a problem for Apple – it seems like getting in to such an established industry, especially with other players like Baidu, Google and Tesla having a many-year lead-in advantage over the Cupertino company was just too much to deal with. It may be that a vehicle of some sorts is still in the works, but clearly plans have changed.

timcookapple

More likely is that Apple will develop a self-driving ecosystem and the underlying technology for it, something it can then license to other manufacturers. This is likely to be something that a number of manufactures will be interested in. While many of them have been developing their own electric and autonomous systems, it's far from a simple development. Licensing the technology from an established tech firm could hurdle a lot of difficult problems during development.

As Ars points out, one of the big advantages of these sorts of heavily connected cars is constantly staying in touch with the customer. Instead of selling a car and then never seeing that person again, connected cars can keep bringing people back for regular services, fixes when warning lights flare up an issue or for official upgrades – something that's much harder to encourage on a voluntary basis.

However teaming up with Apple could mean data tracking that ends up profiting the manufacturer too, which isn't something every customer will be happy with.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: As much as Apple is a super-powerful company with endless resources and a wealth of patents and experienced employees, it's impressive to see even it bow out of creating something as complicated and competitive as a new car design. 

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Germany wants Tesla to stop using ‘misleading autopilot’ name https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/germany-wants-tesla-to-stop-using-misleading-autopilot-name/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/germany-wants-tesla-to-stop-using-misleading-autopilot-name/#comments Mon, 17 Oct 2016 10:26:31 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=308795 While the world and his dog seem to be working on automated car features right now, Tesla was the first to put one out there in the wild. However Germany's federal motoring body has asked it to stop calling its system “autopilot,” because it feels that the term could mislead people into thinking its more …

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While the world and his dog seem to be working on automated car features right now, Tesla was the first to put one out there in the wild. However Germany's federal motoring body has asked it to stop calling its system “autopilot,” because it feels that the term could mislead people into thinking its more capable than it is.

Tesla's autopilot system has been available for over a year now, allowing people to drive on motorways without doing much themselves. It tracks lanes, keeps you at a safe distance from the car in front and in some cases can even go slightly off road to avoid accidents. It even helped one man get to hospital when he was unable to drive and needed immediate medical attention.

But it's lack of response was implicated in the death of one person using the technology, despite Tesla still claiming that road users should not take their eyes off what's ahead.

teslaautopilot

Source: Supremo El Curioso/Youtube

It's that sort of incident that has some worried about the technology, though it's the wording of it that Germany has more of a problem with. The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) sent the letter to Tesla, stating that calling its autonomous assistance features “autopilot,” made it sound like you could take your hands off of the wheel.

“It can be confirmed that a letter to Tesla exists with the request to no longer use the misleading term Autopilot for the driver assistance system of the car,” it said in a statement to Reuters.

Tesla's response has been to deny that autopilot is misleading and that it has always made it clear to customers that they still had to pay attention when the car was in control. It also highlighted the air industry, where pilots with “autopilot,” engaged, were still required to pay attention to the flight.

It also argued that its autopilot feature added an additional layer of safety which could potentially save a lot of lives.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While I see the point of the naming complaint, it sounds like Tesla makes a big point of making people aware of what they're doing when they enable it. That seems fair enough. Drivers have to take responsibility, even if they are enabling an automated feature. 

At least until the legislation catches up with the technology. 

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Musk claims new Tesla autopilot could have prevented death https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/musk-claims-new-tesla-autopilot-could-have-prevented-death/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/musk-claims-new-tesla-autopilot-could-have-prevented-death/#comments Mon, 12 Sep 2016 08:28:27 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=305774 Tesla's CEO and founder, Elon Musk, has said of the company's latest autopilot software update, that with the on board radar now utilised as a major sensor rather than a complimentary one, it's very possible that the recent in-car fatality of a Tesla customer could have been prevented. The incident Musk is referring to happened …

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Tesla's CEO and founder, Elon Musk, has said of the company's latest autopilot software update, that with the on board radar now utilised as a major sensor rather than a complimentary one, it's very possible that the recent in-car fatality of a Tesla customer could have been prevented.

The incident Musk is referring to happened in late June, where a freak accident saw a Tesla Model S drive into the side of a white, reflective lorry, ultimately sending the passenger compartment under the side of the vehicle. It highlighted a unique scenario where the autopilot feature was unable to detect the lorry due to the way it's sensor suite works.

However Tesla doesn't believe that would happen with its newly updated autonomous features. It now uses radar just as much as its other sensors, which should make it easier to detect reflective surfaces like the lorry which caused the accident earlier this year. It won't be utilised alone however, as radar is no good at detecting people or non-metallic surfaces, but it will play a much larger role in the overall detection systems employed by Tesla vehicles.

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This was mostly possible because the radar software on all Tesla autopilot vehicles has been upgraded. They can now track up to six times the number of objects, without weakening overall hardware performance. That's a lot more information for the system to work with, which should make it more accurate -as long as there are not too many false positives.

This software 8.0 update will also start leaning on fleet learning to help with autonomous interactions. With instances like road signs, bridges and other potential road-crossing obstacles, Tesla vehicles will learn from real-driver interactions with them to see how they should respond. While the new radar features are being ironed out though, the AIs will take no action at these junctions, just in case.

Other newly added features include augmented breaking that amplify's the driver's breaking in emergencies, radar reflection lets the sensors check for obstacles by bouncing signals on the bottom of the car in front, better instrument panel messages and updates and the car will now automatically leave the motorway if you turn on your indicator.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: I still want to give these a couple more updates to become more settled, but when I get chance and can afford it, I'm buying a car with autonomous driving. Reading a book in traffic jams rather than peddle pumping for hours would be so great.

[Thanks Reuters]

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First consumer autonomous car trial to begin in Singapore https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/first-consumer-autonomous-car-trial-to-begin-in-singapore/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/first-consumer-autonomous-car-trial-to-begin-in-singapore/#respond Thu, 25 Aug 2016 10:47:42 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=304133 Cars that drive themselves is something that we're gradually easing towards with trials and tests, but nobody has begun a full commercial roll out of the technology, until now. In Singapore they've signed off on the first official test of autonomous taxis, with MIT spin off, Nutonomy, beating the likes of Uber to the punch. …

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Cars that drive themselves is something that we're gradually easing towards with trials and tests, but nobody has begun a full commercial roll out of the technology, until now. In Singapore they've signed off on the first official test of autonomous taxis, with MIT spin off, Nutonomy, beating the likes of Uber to the punch.

Tesla was the first company to really put autonomy out there for consumers to use, though it recommended people keep their hands on the wheel at all times. When they didn't, sometimes there were fatal consequences, sometimes the complete opposite. But true, hands free, driverless vehicles were much further away from reality, right?

Uber wanted to change that by launching its first driverless taxi scheme in Pittsburgh by the end of August, but Nutonomy has scooped it by launching this week in Singapore. Using the Nutonomy app, riders can hail a taxi within a particular business park, at which point it will show up, take them where they need to go and then move on to the next customer.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp13jIr8Y7E']

The Guardian does point out that this is still very much a trial. It will be limited to the business park and surrounding areas and will have a backup safety driver in place should the car veer from its planned route. However unless that happens, they won't touch the wheel, which should make this the first real test to see how commercially viable cars without drivers might be.

While legislation in certain countries still requires autonomous cars to have steering wheels and pedals, Nutonomy believes that driverless vehicles will not be fully realised until we don't need to pay attention to the road any more.

“Introducing a human operator in the loop brings an enormous amount of complexity and unpredictability,” said Nutonomy CEO, Karl Iagnemma. “These ‘simpler’ systems [like Tesla’s Autopilot] are in fact harder to develop and harder to guarantee their safety than [fully autonomous] cars.”

Currently there is no set time scale for the trial, though we would expect any successes to see it ramped up to include more cars and a wider pickup area.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Bring it on. I'm ready to get rid of my car if a local, cheap taxi can pick me up whenever I need to go somewhere.

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Roomba creators are working on poo detection issues https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/roomba-creators-are-working-on-poo-detection-issues/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/roomba-creators-are-working-on-poo-detection-issues/#comments Tue, 16 Aug 2016 11:11:17 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=303171 The Roomba is one of the most recognisable robot helpers out there, having been available in various guises for years and has helped many thousands of people live in automatically vacuumed homes. They do also have one glaring problem though: if they run over animal faeces, they can spread it all over the house. iRobot, …

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The Roomba is one of the most recognisable robot helpers out there, having been available in various guises for years and has helped many thousands of people live in automatically vacuumed homes. They do also have one glaring problem though: if they run over animal faeces, they can spread it all over the house.

iRobot, the maker of the Roomba, has received a lot of complaints for this problem over the years and The Guardian has put together a number of examples. A cat misses a its litter tray, the dog leaves a sneaky one behind the sofa while you're out and since it cannot spot such an obstacle, the Roomba rolls right over it, dragging it into every crevice of your home.

Although the Roomba is able to map out its surroundings and devise efficient routes to vacuum in, it isn't very good at spotting obstacles that don't impede its motion. So something soft like animal leavings, which get stuck in the wheels and brushes, it just rolls on over.

poopspread

The diagram of poo spreading by a single Roomba. Source: Jesse Newton/Facebook

Although funny and/or disgusting depending on your proximity to such a problem, it's these sort of scenarios, where something common, but not ordinary happens, that presents autonomous technology with difficulties. It's not good at dealing with tasks it wasn't designed for.

Dealing with faeces may be something that a lot of robots of the future may struggle with. How do they detect it? How do they deal with it?

iRobot has said it is aware of this specific problem its hardware faces and says that it is looking into some form of image processing to detect and avoid such messes in the future.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: I mean, just crate your dog when you go out? Maybe I'm crazy, but that seems like a very easy way to solve this problem. That and properly house training your animals. One woman said this happened to her several times a year. That just sounds like poor problem solving, rather than an issue with the hardware.

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Tesla Model 3 could have its own self-driving AI https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/tesla-model-3-could-have-its-own-self-driving-ai/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/tesla-model-3-could-have-its-own-self-driving-ai/#comments Thu, 04 Aug 2016 08:10:27 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=301659 Although the Tesla Model 3 has a lot going for it in terms of pricing, fuel economy and clever engineering, one area where it may really stand out is its ability to operate autonomously. While expected to have some form of Tesla Autopilot, it may be that by the time it's released, Tesla has completed …

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Although the Tesla Model 3 has a lot going for it in terms of pricing, fuel economy and clever engineering, one area where it may really stand out is its ability to operate autonomously. While expected to have some form of Tesla Autopilot, it may be that by the time it's released, Tesla has completed what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) calls, level four autonomy.

The levels of self-piloting in vehicles, as defined by the NHTSA, go from level one through four. Zero would be complete human control, while level four is almost the opposite, with the ‘driver' not required to take control at any time. All functional and safety features are handled by the vehicle.

Although neither Tesla or its CEO, Elon Musk have commented on how impressive the Model 3's autonomous functionality will be, they have made it clear that autonomous developments are ongoing and that recent advances had blown Elon Musks mind (as per Electrek).

“If it blows me away, it’s really going to blow away other people too when they see it for the first time,” he said.

teslamodel3

He went on to say that the next-generation of autonomy in cars required a new, lower powered AI that could run on smaller systems which can easily fit inside vehicle – suggesting a lot of local processing, rather than relying on cloud performance.

An announcement on the furtherance of Tesla's Autopilot feature is expected before the end of the year, with early estimations for a big debut of autonomous vehicles to happen by 2018, which is funnily enough, around when the Model 3 is expected to start shipping to consumers.

Of course the real question with any talk of driverless cars, is whether legally they'll be allowed on the road. Current legislation requires a human be behind the wheel and in control of any vehicle on the road. That will need to change before we can all take our hands off of the wheel.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: I'm really excited for autonomous vehicles. I enjoy a drive now and again, but for the most part if I could just read a book or have a nap on my way to where I'm going, that would be much more preferable.

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3D printed ‘Olli’ could be electric, autonomous mini-bus of the future https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/3d-printed-olli-could-be-electric-autonomous-mini-bus-of-the-future/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/3d-printed-olli-could-be-electric-autonomous-mini-bus-of-the-future/#comments Mon, 18 Jul 2016 09:25:33 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=299664 Although a number of companies are developing autonomous cars for us to not-drive around in, it may be that electric, autonomous public transport is a better solution. While a number of vehicles are being trialled in the UK, a U.S. developer has a new and innovative design, which uses a lot of 3D printed components. The vehicle …

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Although a number of companies are developing autonomous cars for us to not-drive around in, it may be that electric, autonomous public transport is a better solution. While a number of vehicles are being trialled in the UK, a U.S. developer has a new and innovative design, which uses a lot of 3D printed components.

The vehicle comes out of Local Motors, a company which previously designed the world's first 3D printed car, the Strati, as well as the award winning Swim. The Olli is just its latest development, which looks to seat 8-12 people, provide near-silent electric operation, all without the need for anyone behind the wheel.

The Olli is currently still very much in the concept phase, though there are plans to turn it into a finalised project before long. The fact that most of its interior and plastics were 3D printed allows for Local Motors to perform quick model changes and create prototypes and new parts on the fly, massively speeding up the traditional vehicle developmental process.

olli

Source: Local Motors

When finished, it's expected that Olli will be able to travel up to 18 miles per hour, with a range of around 60 miles. While that wouldn't be much use for motorway driving, it would make Olli useful as a shuttle transport for cities, large office complexes and university campuses. It could also offer a local bus-like service in small villages and towns where other transport options are restricted.

Local Motors will continue to test Olli over the next few months, as it has access to private roadways. However when it comes to sending manufactured Ollis out into the world, it will need to hold fire for legislation that allows such vehicles to operate in public to be created (thanks Ars).

Here in the UK where trials are ongoing in several cities and townships, specialised temporary legislation has been approved to allow the vehicles to operate. Much like the rest of the world, fully realised autonomous vehicle laws need to be written before anyone can really take their hands off the wheel.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Although the recent Tesla crash has likely slowed the adoption of automated vehicles, it doesn't feel that far off before we'll all be able to reliably take our eyes off of the road. 

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Alibaba’s internet connected car paves way for autonomy https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/jon-martindale/alibabas-internet-connected-car-paves-way-for-autonomy/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/jon-martindale/alibabas-internet-connected-car-paves-way-for-autonomy/#respond Wed, 06 Jul 2016 08:53:46 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=298468 Chinese online retail giant, Alibaba, has announced a new vehicle created as part of a joint partnership between itself and SAIC Motor Corp, china's largest car manufacturer. Made using the YunOS operating system, the new Roewe RX5 can connect to the internet through your smartphone, with the firms behind it claiming it's the first step to making …

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Chinese online retail giant, Alibaba, has announced a new vehicle created as part of a joint partnership between itself and SAIC Motor Corp, china's largest car manufacturer. Made using the YunOS operating system, the new Roewe RX5 can connect to the internet through your smartphone, with the firms behind it claiming it's the first step to making the vehicle autonomous.

Cars that can drive themselves are receiving a huge push in a number of countries around the world right now – despite Tesla's recent autopilot accident – with governments and manufacturers looking to take advantage of their safety and efficiency improvements, as much as for the sake of convenience.

roewe

Source: Reuters

Those same sorts of developments are ongoing in China, with firms like Baidu and BMW partnering up to co-develop the technology, much like Google and other manufacturers have done in the West. Alibaba and SAIC are a little late to the table in terms of a connected car – as per Reuters – but it claims that having its car networked with the rest of the world is the first step to making it autonomous.

“You'll quickly see driverless car technology resulting from this platform,” Alibaba's CTO said in a statement.

As it stands, the Roewe RX5 is more of a smart road-assistant than an autonomous car. If road works or traffic jams appear, it can automatically suggest new routes, as well as provide what is described as a more “personal,” driving experience for each driver, suggesting some adjustments to the ride depending on who's behind the wheel.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Although the Roewe RX5 is a major component in Alibaba's push for autonomous cars, what it really means when it claims importance, is that the YunOS powering it is the big component for driverless vehicles. That's where the battleground for the first-generation of full autonomy is: the software that will make it all possible. 

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BMW may be striking a new autonomous car deal with Intel https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/bmw-may-be-striking-a-new-autonomous-car-deal-with-intel/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/bmw-may-be-striking-a-new-autonomous-car-deal-with-intel/#respond Thu, 30 Jun 2016 08:15:17 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=297765 Tech firms and automakers have been teaming up for years to co-develop autonomous cars, with Google and Ford doing so in 2015 and Baidu and BMW announcing a partnership before that. But the German car company may be set to make another, as rumours abound that it is set to strike up a deal with …

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Tech firms and automakers have been teaming up for years to co-develop autonomous cars, with Google and Ford doing so in 2015 and Baidu and BMW announcing a partnership before that. But the German car company may be set to make another, as rumours abound that it is set to strike up a deal with Intel and an Israeli sensor company.

Details are a little thin on the ground, but according to Reuters sources said to be ‘familiar with the matter,' Intel and BMW will soon unveil their partnership and what they've been working on together. Any move is expected to also feature collision detection software from Israeli firm, Mobileye also.

bmwautonomous

BMW is expected to show off a number of new autonomous vehicles this year. Source: BMW

Autonomous vehicles bring a number of different worlds together, requiring high-end processing and sensor capabilities, as well as the manufacturing strengths and engineering know-how of traditional automakers. Nvidia has become a major player in recent years, developing in-car processing and display technologies and Google has also shown a lot of interest in the field, with the development of its own autonomous pod cars.

In some instances of course, there are firms that push to do it all themselves. Tesla, the electric car manufacturer, recently introduced an autopilot mode for its Model S vehicles, which allowed hands-free driving on motorways.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: I'm pretty excited for the implementation of autonomous vehicles. As much as I'm sure I'll miss driving when it's common place, there are far more instances where I don't want to be sat behind the wheel than do. Doing away with traffic jams and difficult, tiring city driving would be a real blessing. 

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Google announces Fiat partnership with driverless cars https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/google-announces-fiat-partnership-with-driverless-cars/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/google-announces-fiat-partnership-with-driverless-cars/#comments Wed, 04 May 2016 10:32:38 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=291644 While Google has spent many years developing autonomous vehicles, many wondered if it would eventually get into car manufacturing itself, or partner with a more traditional company. It looks like the latter may be the most true of those ideas, as it's now announced a partnership with Fiat to help further driverless car development. Although …

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While Google has spent many years developing autonomous vehicles, many wondered if it would eventually get into car manufacturing itself, or partner with a more traditional company. It looks like the latter may be the most true of those ideas, as it's now announced a partnership with Fiat to help further driverless car development.

Although Google has been a big driver of the self-piloting vehicle movement, showing off Lexus' with autonomous features and big lidar sensors, and its in-town-friendly pod cars, its end game was never very apparent. In comparison, Fiat hasn't been as forward with its own autonomous efforts, but obviously commands a much stronger manufacturing base than Google.

Together the two companies will launch a Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivan, which will contain much of Google's self-driving technology. These won't be going on sale to the general public though. Instead they'll be used to almost double the size of Google's testing fleet, as 100 of the new vehicles are created.

chrylser

To make this a reality, Google and Fiat engineers will be moving to a facility in Michigan, where a specialised research centre will be used for further design and testing. Both companies said in a press release how pleased they were with the news and that they were excited to see the developments that came from the partnership.

Although The Guardian paints this as the first time a tech firm and car maker have together to develop autonomous vehicles together, it's actually the second time. Baidu and BMW teamed up back in 2014, pairing the German manufacturer with the Chinese search giant, much in the same way as Google and Fiat are partnering now.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: This is an interesting development that may come from the fact that the autonomous car scene is really heating up. It's good news for consumers though, who now likely have more competition for their autonomous vehicle money.

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China is gunning hard for driverless cars too https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/china-is-gunning-hard-for-driverless-cars-too/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/china-is-gunning-hard-for-driverless-cars-too/#respond Thu, 28 Apr 2016 11:17:10 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=291045 We've heard a lot about western companies like Google, Tesla and various traditional manufacturers working on autonomous vehicle technology, but China is making a big play for it too. Along with Baidu, many Chinese firms have been working on developing self-piloting vehicles, many of which showed off their latest efforts at the recent Beijing Motor …

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We've heard a lot about western companies like Google, Tesla and various traditional manufacturers working on autonomous vehicle technology, but China is making a big play for it too. Along with Baidu, many Chinese firms have been working on developing self-piloting vehicles, many of which showed off their latest efforts at the recent Beijing Motor Show.

The latest developments to come out of the country stem from the likes of Changan, which recently had two of its cars drive more than 1,200 miles using cameras and radar to arrive without a human hand on the wheel. BMW and Baidu's joint efforts continue to bear fruit, recently trialling an autonomous car in 20 miles of Beijing traffic and Geely, which together with Volvo is planning to trial upwards of 100 driverless car designs.

As the BBC reports though, these are just the main players in the self-piloting game. In actuality, there are many tens or smaller firms too, developing vehicles in their own right, and working on individual technologies that these major firms may end up incorporating into their future vehicle designs.

baicucar

Source: Baidu

While most analysts believe that we're a decade or so off from driverless vehicles being common place on international roadways, China may well be at the forefront of their development. It's hoped that by cutting back on drivers trying to find parking and perhaps even owning a car when taxis and car sharing are simplified through autonomy, that China's very crowded roads and city centres could be cleared up.

That attitude towards them may be a key player in their adoption too. While the U.S. and UK are driving forward the technology in many meaningful ways, legislation still has a long way to go to make them legally viable.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: I'm more than ready for a driverless car. Being driven to the pub with your personal, digital chauffeur is something we can all look forward to in the future. 

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First autonomous ‘truck platoon’ crosses borders, arrives safely https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/first-autonomous-truck-platoon-crosses-borders-arrives-safely/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/first-autonomous-truck-platoon-crosses-borders-arrives-safely/#comments Thu, 07 Apr 2016 08:28:46 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=288904 The first ever multi-country, autonomous truck platoon has successfully completed a journey across borders, down highways and roadways – all without the intervention of a single human driver. Using advanced tracking and mapping technologies, the more than dozen heavy goods vehicles from various manufacturers, were able to link up and complete the journey without incident. …

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The first ever multi-country, autonomous truck platoon has successfully completed a journey across borders, down highways and roadways – all without the intervention of a single human driver. Using advanced tracking and mapping technologies, the more than dozen heavy goods vehicles from various manufacturers, were able to link up and complete the journey without incident.

Travelling from as far and as wide as southern Germany and Sweden, the driverless vehicles built by a number of different firms, were able to meet up on highways and link up to create ‘platoons' of self-driving trucks on their journey to Rotterdam, Netherlands.

iveco01

Source: Ivevo/Twitter

This worked  by them falling into single file with one another, using the first few trucks as leaders, while the others merely provided sensory information. The front-runners controlled the speed and direction of the convoy, improving the efficiency of the journey for all of the lorries in-line, as well as making for a steady moving part of the traffic, thereby easing the flow of vehicles on busier stretches of motorway.

“Truck platooning will ensure cleaner and more efficient transport. Self-driving vehicles also contribute to road safety because most accidents are caused by human failure,” said the Dutch infrastructure and environment minister, Melanie Schultz van Haegen (via the Guardian).

As much as this was a positive test for the technology though, there are still some creases to iron out. For starters, legislation about how driverless vehicles can operate varies from country to country, so a standardising of laws would make things much easier. The trucks themselves are still not technically allowed to operate without a ‘driver' in some territories, so a back up human was required to be in these trucks at all times, even if they didn't do anything.

Technologically, communication between the different manufacturers' vehicles can still improve too. While traditionally making your products work with a rival's isn't a common practice in any technology, when it comes to self-driving vehicles, that's of paramount importance.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: This is a great trial. We're really only a few years away now from self-driving vehicles becoming a common sight on the roads.

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U.S. road agency declares Google’s autonomous AI a ‘driver’ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/u-s-road-agency-declares-googles-autonomous-ai-a-driver/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/u-s-road-agency-declares-googles-autonomous-ai-a-driver/#respond Wed, 10 Feb 2016 11:57:24 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=283439 Google's autonomous vehicle control algorithm has been given the designation of “driver,” by the U.S.' National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is just one more step on the road to vehicles like the Google pod car being allowed to drive around without someone sat behind the wheel. Despite the claims by automakers that autonomous …

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Google's autonomous vehicle control algorithm has been given the designation of “driver,” by the U.S.' National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is just one more step on the road to vehicles like the Google pod car being allowed to drive around without someone sat behind the wheel.

Despite the claims by automakers that autonomous vehicles will not really be ready until the early-mid 2020s, that's not necessarily because the technology requires a near-decade of additional work. Indeed Tesla's autopilot feature has worked well in recent public tests. In-fact it's legislation that is the biggest hurdle for manufacturers, as how do you legally make it ok for a car to hit the roads without a driver.

The solution the NHTSA has hit upon is to designate the AI itself as a “driver” thereby clearing away a lot of red tape that would otherwise have needed restructuring by politicians to allow for ‘no-one' to be driving a vehicle in motion. While there are still many legal headaches to work out in the case of an accident or mistake made by the algorithm, this will certainly make things easier moving forward.

ooglepod

Admittedly at under 30 miles per hour with foam bumpers, the pod car is unlikely to do much damage. Source: Google.

The wording of this announcement does suggest though that the AI could be found at fault in the case of an accident, much like a human driver could. Does that mean that if the autonomous system crashes the car, Google could be held responsible? Will Google need monstrous insurance premiums in order to shift units of its autonomous vehicles to consumers and companies when available?

More hints can be found in the wording of the NHTSA communiqué, which reads (via the Telegraph):  “NHTSA will interpret ‘driver’ in the context of Google’s described motor vehicle design as referring to the SDS [self-driving system], and not to any of the vehicle occupants. We agree with Google its SDV [self-driving vehicle] will not have a ‘driver’ in the traditional sense that vehicles have had drivers during the last more than one hundred years.”

It went on to suggest that laws requiring a steering wheel and pedals be built into a vehicle will need to be rewritten, or in the interim Google will need to include them as a back-up option.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: If your car was hit by a driverless vehicle that made a mistake, would you consider a human occupant, perhaps the owner of the Google car responsible, or Google itself? What about the software developer that made a mistake in the code?

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Robots may replace window cleaners, painters next https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/robots-may-replace-window-cleaners-painters-next/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/robots-may-replace-window-cleaners-painters-next/#respond Mon, 01 Feb 2016 11:23:56 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=282506 More than five million jobs are thought likely to be replaced by robots in the coming decade according to some analysts, and it may be that window cleaning and painting are part of that number. A new drone design from Apellix is conceptualising the idea of a robotic painting system, which negates the need to …

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More than five million jobs are thought likely to be replaced by robots in the coming decade according to some analysts, and it may be that window cleaning and painting are part of that number. A new drone design from Apellix is conceptualising the idea of a robotic painting system, which negates the need to put workers at risk on tall ladders and against tall buildings.

As one of the more dangerous jobs in the U.S., with several deaths each year due to falls, construction – especially on ladders – is something Apellix wants to change. Instead of sending men up ladders, it wants to send a quad-copter up the side of a building with an “umbilical” connection. That cable can provide power, but it also provides paint, water and anything else it might need to complete its task.

The little robot can be seen in the latest demonstration video, flying up the side of a two story warehouse and spray painting it. Apellix has fitted that same robot with a hose system and a 3,000 PSI high-velocity-paint-sprayer, allowing for its application in even the most turbulent of environments.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qrHLymXokM']

This could easily be applied to other liquids, such as water, which would allow pressure washing of windows and walls that are out of reach of humans or at least can't be cleaned safely.

Apellix has other ideas too. Fitted with an expanding, self-setting foam gun and stockpile, it believes the umbilical equipped drones could build temporary igloo housing. It could theoretically “3D print” all sorts of structures autonomously with further development.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Quite an interesting idea, not too unlike those water powered ‘jetpacks' that you find at most holiday resorts now. Can you think of any interesting uses for it?

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Forget passenger drones, what about a drone ambulance? https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/forget-passenger-drones-what-about-a-drone-ambulance/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/forget-passenger-drones-what-about-a-drone-ambulance/#comments Fri, 15 Jan 2016 11:57:33 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=280944 Although drones have promised lots of interesting developments in film making, surveillance and delivery, they are getting powerful enough to transport people, as we saw recently. But forget making travel easy for the rich, transporting injured people between the scene of an accident and a hospital quickly and without disturbance could be a much better …

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Although drones have promised lots of interesting developments in film making, surveillance and delivery, they are getting powerful enough to transport people, as we saw recently. But forget making travel easy for the rich, transporting injured people between the scene of an accident and a hospital quickly and without disturbance could be a much better use.

Enter the AirMule, a VTOL, self-piloted drone that can carry up to 500KG. Designed for when landing a helicopter is not possible, but the speedy delivery of a person to a medical facility is of paramount importance, it can travel up to 31 miles before refuelling, at speeds up to 112 miles per hour, at altitudes all the way up to 18,000 feet.

As you might expect, something that powerful, that quick and that capable is not a small quadcopter. This is a large drone that measures 6.2m long and 2.3m tall and it has a very militaristic look – mostly because its main use is expected to be a transport for wounded soldiers in battle.

airmule

But the AirMule will need to really improve its low-flying capabilities before it's ready for the real world. While it has completed as many as 200 flight tests (as per the BBC) only a few have been untethered. Flying high is all well and good too, but its at near ground level where obstacles or projectiles may threaten it that the AirMule must prove itself.

With that in mind, the developers at Urban Aeronautics will first demonstrate the AirMule's ability to deliver a parcel from one destination to another. When that is achieved, it can start thinking about transporting people, potentially injured ones in battle, in crisis zones or in hard to reach places where a helicopter would not be feasable.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: How awesome is the future going to look? When a disaster happens, fleets of these can take off, land and quickly shuttle people away from danger. 

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Tesla scales back car automation, for now https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/tesla-scales-back-car-automation-for-now/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/tesla-scales-back-car-automation-for-now/#respond Mon, 11 Jan 2016 09:17:17 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=280255 Although most analysts believe that full vehicle automation won't be ready until 2020, Tesla recently jumped the gun and introduced its take on the feature back in October last year to mixed praise and concern. In line with the latter response, Tesla has now released an update which restricts where the cars can use automated …

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Although most analysts believe that full vehicle automation won't be ready until 2020, Tesla recently jumped the gun and introduced its take on the feature back in October last year to mixed praise and concern. In line with the latter response, Tesla has now released an update which restricts where the cars can use automated functions – for now, it's still working out the kinks.

Once a Model S has been updated with the new automated software, it will only let its driver take their hands off of the wheel on residential roads or those without central dividers. It's also limited the vehicles using it to drive at only five miles per hour above the speed limit. This might stop drivers receiving speeding tickets when taking their hands off of the wheel.

tesla-model-s-autopilot-software-70

Elon Musk himself said that the cars would now anticipate curves in motorways and would slow down if necessary before them (as per Reuters). He also stated via Twitter that with continued innovation, in under two years at the touch of a button on your smartphone, your car could open the garage, drive cross country to your location and pick you up. Once it's dropped you off, it could return without difficulty.

Although he admitted to reporters that more work needed to be done on the feature, he believes that already Tesla's autopilot software is better than human drivers on motorways, with its suite of cameras and sensors constantly mapping out where other drivers and their vehicles are.

Tesla still faces some criticism for its software security though. With concerns arising more and more about hacking cars that become more connected, other manufacturers have taken shots at Tesla for allowing wireless remote updating of critical car features that control its major functions like acceleration and breaking. Other car manufacturers still utilise a hard-install to prevent nefarious actors from hacking their vehicles.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: What kind of automated features do you guys use in your cars? Smart cruise control? Lane assist? Autonomous braking?

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Google Ford partnership could mirror Baidu BMW deal https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/google-ford-partnership-could-mirror-baidu-bmw-deal/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/google-ford-partnership-could-mirror-baidu-bmw-deal/#comments Wed, 23 Dec 2015 12:34:43 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=278940 Google and Ford are said to be in talks to partner over the development of automated vehicles according to sources that are said to have been “briefed on the matter.” Although yet to be officially detailed, the partnership could well be similar to the deal struck between Chinese search giant Baidu, and German automaker BMW, …

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Google and Ford are said to be in talks to partner over the development of automated vehicles according to sources that are said to have been “briefed on the matter.” Although yet to be officially detailed, the partnership could well be similar to the deal struck between Chinese search giant Baidu, and German automaker BMW, announced late last year.

However while the Baidu/BMW deal was thought to be a chance for the former company to catch up on international autonomous developments, Ford and Google have both been working on that sort of technology for years already. Together they could combine Ford's manufacturing know-how with Google's software experience to produce something quite special.

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The future?

The move also gives Google access to Ford's fabrication facilities, which will be key as it's said it doesn't want to get into the business of making cards. That said, none of this is confirmed or finalised by the either party. Sergey Brin of Google and executive Mark Fields from Ford, did meet earlier this month though (as per Reuters) to discuss this pending deal.

Although both firms are remaining quiet on any concrete details, Google has said that it is in talks with a number of automakers to potentially develop autonomous vehicles with.

However rumours still persist about a Ford/Google partnership. Any such deal could possibly be announced at CES early next year, though we'll have to wait and see to find out.

KitGuru Says: Do you think a Google/Ford deal would be a strong move for both firms? Ford claims to have been working on driverless tech for years, though it's only recently been public about its endeavours. 

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Uber pledges to buy 500,000 automated Teslas in 2020 https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/uber-pledges-to-buy-500000-automated-teslas-in-2020/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/uber-pledges-to-buy-500000-automated-teslas-in-2020/#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2015 08:05:13 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=257995 Tesla's electric vehicles have become more common place on roads around the world over the past few years, as production has scaled up in line with increasing demand, but selling an entire year's worth of cars in one go would be a massive achievement for the Elon Musk founded company. That's exactly what might happen …

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Tesla's electric vehicles have become more common place on roads around the world over the past few years, as production has scaled up in line with increasing demand, but selling an entire year's worth of cars in one go would be a massive achievement for the Elon Musk founded company. That's exactly what might happen in 2020 too, as app-based taxi firm Uber has pledged to buy half a million cars from Tesla if it can make them autonomous.

Although unlikely to be an outright lie, it's important to note that while these claims were made about Travis Kalanick, Uber's CEO, they don't come directly quoted. This message comes from Tesla board member Steve Jurvetson (via Forbes), who claims Kalanick made the claims during a Top 10 Tech Trends dinner.

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Uber has previously offered journeys in vehicles from lots of different manufacturers. One day though, they may all be Tesla.

Assuming his right however, it's worth considering that although this is an attractive offer for Tesla, since selling 500,000 cars in one go would generate at least a smidge of profit for the firm, having its cars operate autonomously by 2020 is a tall order. As it stands, Tesla vehicles and those of other manufacturers offer some automated features, such as emergency autonomous braking and smart cruise control, but cars that can drive themselves on every road aren't really expected to go on sale until 2025.

In the short term, motorway automation is expected in commercial vehicles by 2017, but whether that will be enough for Uber remains to be seen, especially since the service's main business is found in cities, where heavier traffic and pedestrians create a much more difficult environment to develop autonomy for.

What will be interesting to take note of in the near future however, is whether Uber's own autonomous vehicle developments progress swiftly. It's currently working on driverless cars with Chinese search giant Baidu and may even team up with the company to buy Nokia's HERE unit.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: I would be surprised if Tesla or anyone could develop a fully autonomous car by 2020. However Tesla is said to be working on a system where its cars can overtake for the driver, just by turning on the indicator.

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NASA bringing rover tech to driverless cars https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/nasa-bringing-rover-tech-to-driverless-cars/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/nasa-bringing-rover-tech-to-driverless-cars/#comments Wed, 15 Apr 2015 11:24:47 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=245203 Driverless car technologies are coming on leaps and bounds at the moments, with the world's first motorway-only automated features set to hit commercial cars as soon as 2017. However, whether our automated future will look like the cars of old, or something more akin to Google's Pod Car design remains to be seen. Especially when NASA …

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Driverless car technologies are coming on leaps and bounds at the moments, with the world's first motorway-only automated features set to hit commercial cars as soon as 2017. However, whether our automated future will look like the cars of old, or something more akin to Google's Pod Car design remains to be seen. Especially when NASA is also developing some very versatile and driverless vehicles of its own, based on some of its remote rover technology.

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Who knew a NASA scientist would be the next drift king?

The Modular Robotic Vehicle, or MRV, was shown off in a recent trial run at the Johnson Space Centre, where the fully electric vehicle debuted its abilities to operate with and without a driver, as well as pull off stunts that are impossible for traditionally powered vehicles. Thanks to its individual wheels, all fitted with liquid cooled electric motors that can operate independently, the MRV is capable of driving completely sideways, making parking – and drifting – a piece of cake.

[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-VUHdmjytM']

The MRV has several redundant safety systems built into it and can be controlled remotely, in-the car itself or instructed to operate entirely autonomously.

According to the video's description, this is just one of several automated vehicles that the space agency is developing in conjunction with traditional automakers. NASA recently announced plans to work with Japanese automaker Nissan to develop an autonomous, zero-emissions vehicle with the first test set to take place this year – it's not clear if the MRV is part of that pledge.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: They look like they have a lot of fun at NASA. I'm starting to wonder if writing about all of this cool stuff was the wrong career path. 

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Baidu ups stake in driverless cars with BMW deal https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/baidu-ups-stake-in-driverless-cars-with-bmw-deal/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/jon-martindale/baidu-ups-stake-in-driverless-cars-with-bmw-deal/#respond Mon, 29 Sep 2014 12:33:50 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=214070 If you asked anyone relatively in the know about which company was pushing driverless cars forward the most, it wouldn't be some long standing automaker, but the search giant Google. This might seem bizarre now, but apparently it's not that far fetched a transition, since Chinese search giant Baidu is also looking to get into …

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If you asked anyone relatively in the know about which company was pushing driverless cars forward the most, it wouldn't be some long standing automaker, but the search giant Google. This might seem bizarre now, but apparently it's not that far fetched a transition, since Chinese search giant Baidu is also looking to get into the automated vehicle business and it's just upped the ante too, by partnering with long time quality vehicle manufacturer BMW.

“BMW is embarking on a further research project which will pave the way for highly automated driving in China as well,” a BMW spokesperson said in a statement. “China's fast-expanding urban centers present the engineers with challenges such as multi-level highways.”

Indeed with one of the world's largest populations and some of the world's densest cities, China is coming up against some real problems with too many cars on the road causing miles upon miles of jams. In fact, in 2010 the China National Highway 110 traffic jam became one of the worst in history, where there were cars backed up for over 60 miles. Some people ended up being stuck in their cars for over five days, prompting many in the commercial sector and government to look for solutions.

Source: Poeloc
Source: Poeloc

While automated vehicles wouldn't fix such a problem over night, with vehicles that don't need a driver, there becomes less of a need to own a car, since fleets of perfectly orderly and safe vehicles could be used to ferry many more people to work than the ones being used by people at the moment.

BMW plans to launch early prototype vehicles in Beijing and Shanghai and will make use of Baidu's local mapping technology – similar to Google Maps – to help develop its traffic avoidance and road tracking technology. As Reuters explains, a partnership with local telecoms companies is also likely, so that detailed maps of the country can be served wirelessly to avoid needing masses of local storage space.

KitGuru Says: Just as it's great to see county's like India launching and successfully orbiting their own spacecraft around distant worlds, it's good to see other countries helping push forward important technology like automation. Competition is almost always good for the consumer. 

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UK could lead the way on driverless cars https://www.kitguru.net/channel/jon-martindale/uk-could-lead-the-way-on-driverless-cars/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/jon-martindale/uk-could-lead-the-way-on-driverless-cars/#comments Wed, 30 Jul 2014 07:48:23 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=205222 We're on the cusp of fully automated vehicles, with manufacturers pushing ever more advanced features like lane-assist and automatic braking and Google showing off fully working, entirely autonomous prototypes to the world, but there's one thing holding them back from the next stage of adoption: legislation. While the US has a big mine field to …

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We're on the cusp of fully automated vehicles, with manufacturers pushing ever more advanced features like lane-assist and automatic braking and Google showing off fully working, entirely autonomous prototypes to the world, but there's one thing holding them back from the next stage of adoption: legislation. While the US has a big mine field to navigate through there, thanks to the mashup of state and federal law, in the UK things are a little simpler and the government could end up paving the way for speedier autonomous adoption, with new driverless car laws set to come into play next year.

As it stands, driverless cars aren't allowed on the road at all and must be restricted to private land. However, now, according to the BBC, British MPs are working on legislation that will let people trial driverless cars on British roads within the next 12 months and to help get it started, the treasury will offer a £10 million grant to a city or town if it offers to become the first area to allow the vehicles.

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Google's latest automated vehicles have a max speed of 25MPH and foam bumpers

This is a continued commitment from last year's push, which saw Chancellor George Osbourne announcing that he wanted the UK to be seen as a pioneer in the adoption of automated vehicles.

While more expensive than there manual counterparts, there will be alternatives to buying a new car with the system already fitted. Some companies are looking to provide ‘bolt-on' automation that makes a traditional car able to operate without a driver.

KitGuru Says: Looking at driverless cars, I wonder sometimes if we're one of the last generations of people that will see having a car as a necessity?

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Google set to build its own self-driving cars https://www.kitguru.net/channel/jon-martindale/google-set-to-build-its-own-self-driving-cars/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/jon-martindale/google-set-to-build-its-own-self-driving-cars/#comments Wed, 28 May 2014 07:50:59 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=195512 Google has ditched any thoughts of twinning its self-drive technology with another more traditional manufacturer and has instead begun the steps to start its own line of vehicles. They're set to be built with a start/stop button, no controls and a look that's designed to make people see automated vehicle technology as friendly, rather than …

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Google has ditched any thoughts of twinning its self-drive technology with another more traditional manufacturer and has instead begun the steps to start its own line of vehicles. They're set to be built with a start/stop button, no controls and a look that's designed to make people see automated vehicle technology as friendly, rather than threatening.

The small city cars will be entirely automated, with the idea being that you step in, take a seat, plot out your destination and then hit the start button and relax. From there you can simply wait until you arrive. That lack of input may worry some people, which is why Google is pushing for such a ‘face-like' look to the cars.

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This early concept rendering looks pretty similar to current prototypes

Under the hood, the car will pack an electric motor that will be able to push the car up to a maximum of 25 miles per hour (for safety reasons) and will have enough space for two people and some personal belongings. Theoretically a lot of space can be saved by removing a steering wheel and other driver input devices, though these will be retroactively added during testing phases of the vehicle's life just in-case something goes wrong.

In the BBC breakdown, we also learn that Google plans to build the car with different protective measures than traditional vehicles. Because collisions should be limited to a lower speed than other vehicles have the potential for, it's looking to fit a flexible windscreen and foam-like bumpers, which should deliver a softer impact should someone or something collide with the Google car.

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One of the current Google Car prototypes

To operate autonomously, Google's vehicle use lasers and radar to determine its position in the road and clever software under the hood to figure out the appropriate action at any time. Google has been testing and refining this tech on roads for years, with over 700,000 miles covered by autonomous prototypes. Moving forward, the search engine giant is working on making busy city driving that bit safer, where speeds are slower but drivers can be more unpredictable.

In terms of release, Google expects the first prototypes of the new Google Car to hit the streets within a year. From there, it won't be long before they go on sale.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Would you “drive” one of these? I don't live close enough to a big town that would make it worthwhile, but I can see it being great for a quiet commute.

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