UPS and Waymo have partnered to test picking up packages using an autonomous vehicle in the Metro Phoenix area.
Through the pilot, packages will be shuttled from The UPS Store locations via Waymo’s Chrysler Pacifica minivans to a local UPS sorting facility for processing.
“UPS and Waymo are exploring automated and autonomous technologies to enhance network operations,” says Scott Price, UPS chief strategy and transformation officer.
“Getting packages to our sortation facilities sooner and more frequently, while also creating an opportunity for later drop-offs for next-day service, can add enormous value for our customers.”
Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous Vehicles
GM turning Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant into first fully-dedicated electric vehicle assembly plant
General Motors (GM) has announced that it will invest $2.2 billion in its Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant to turn it into its first fully-dedicated electric vehicle assembly plant where it will produce various all-electric trucks and SUVs.
With production scheduled to begin in late 2021, GM’s first all-electric truck will be a pickup. That truck will be followed by the recently announced shared, electric, self-driving vehicle called Cruise Origin.
Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority introduces autonomous shuttle at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
During a VIP event at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) introduced the first autonomous shuttle in the region.
According to CCRTA, the shuttle service is one of the first in the nation to operate on a complex route that is exposed not only to vehicular traffic, but also foot traffic.
“This new shuttle is one more way the Island University continues to lead in cutting edge innovation and the use of new technology,” says Dr. Kelly M. Miller, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi president.
“We are excited to partner with CCRTA on this project that will enhance campus life and show how research turns into usable innovations.”
Aptiv's self-driving vehicles picking up and dropping off passengers at McCarran International Airport
Aptiv’s self-driving vehicles have been selected to pick up and drop off a select group of passengers at the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.
Described as the “first-of-its-kind airport access to autonomous vehicles,” this access will help Aptiv in its development of a production-ready Level 4 autonomous driving platform in 2022, the company says.
Aptiv adds that this access will also help it and McCarran learn more about the utilization and deployment of robotaxis, and how they can be used to make ground transportation in and out of the airport more efficient.
Autonomous shuttle set to begin operating on NCSU's Centennial Campus next month
EasyMile’s EZ10 autonomous shuttle will begin operating on North Carolina State University’s (NCSU) Centennial Campus in February, according to the News & Observer.
Known as CASSI, which is short for Connected Autonomous Shuttle Supporting Innovation, the shuttle can carry up to 12 people on pre-programmed routes.
According to Mike Kennon, the assistant director of transportation at NCSU, CASSI will operate on a loop through the heart of Centennial Campus on weekdays and during special events on weekends. The campus is home to NCSU’s engineering school, as well as several technology companies, which Kennon says makes it an ideal place to showcase such technology.
Sec. Chao releases version 4.0 of federal AV guidelines
Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao announced the fourth iteration of the federal automated vehicle policy during a keynote speech at CES 2020.
Named Automated Vehicles 4.0: Ensuring American Leadership in Automated Vehicle Technologies, the guidance streamlines federal guidance for 38 government agencies, departments, commissions and others, Chao said, and is aimed at maintaining highway safety while allowing development on AVs to flourish.
"The takeaway from AV 4.0 is that the federal government is all in for safer, better and more inclusive transportation, aided by automated driving systems," she said.
Echodyne introduces high-resolution imaging radar for autonomous vehicles
Echodyne has introduced EchoDrive, the company’s high-resolution imaging radar for autonomous vehicles.
Built on MESA technology, EchoDrive offers a new type of sensor functionality that greatly enhances machine perception, Echodyne says. The company adds that EchoDrive delivers what it describes as “unprecedented real-time control” over the radar’s interrogation of the drive scene, which enables a “richer form” of machine perception.