[Vueron Newsletter Vol.83] #Huawei #Kodiak #Vueron Technology

1. Scania opens books on autonomous mining trucks

• Scania has opened orders for its self-driving mining solutions in Australia. The 40-tonne autonomous heavy tipper is currently available, with the 50-tonne model to follow.
• Sales in Australia mark the first step, with deliveries starting in 2026.
• Latin America is likely the next market due to Scania's significant presence in mining there.
• This launch marks a significant milestone from R&D to commercial product for Scania.
• Mines are promising environments for autonomous vehicles, offering safety and efficiency benefits.
• Scania's smaller, civil-class trucks could outperform traditional heavy haulage trucks in emissions and productivity.
• Using Scania’s autonomous trucks can reduce the mining footprint, lowering capital and operating expenses.
• Developed with extensive R&D and customer collaboration, these trucks have been tested in Australia over six years.
• Scania’s autonomous trucks are compatible with existing mine operations and other systems.
• Over the past decade, Scania has heavily invested in self-driving vehicle development, including highway transport and confined area vehicles like those for mines.

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These vehicles promise to reduce emissions and the overall mining footprint, potentially lowering both capital and operational costs.

2. Wayve, the lidar-free self-driving startup, raises $13.6M from Ocado

• Wayve, a U.K.-based self-driving startup, uses deep learning and cameras instead of costly lidar and sensors.
• Ocado, an online grocer, is investing ￡10 million ($13.6 million) in Wayve. Ocado will trial Wayve’s technology on its delivery vans in real-world scenarios.
• The trial will focus on navigating traffic congestion, small residential streets, and complex street layouts.
• Ocado plans to eventually use Wayve's technology globally, leveraging its Ocado Smart Platform (OSP).
• Wayve will retrofit Ocado vehicles to gather more delivery driving data. Wayve aims to deliver an autonomous last-mile solution for grocery retailers.
• The partnership is non-exclusive; Wayve is also working with other retailers like Asda. Ocado is also investing in Oxbotica, another autonomous driving technology company.
• The investments represent different approaches to solving the self-driving challenge.
• Ocado seeks to automate last-mile deliveries in congested urban environments. Wayve's system is less expensive than lidar-based systems.
• Ocado aims to enhance the operational economics and proposition of its OSP for retail partners.

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Ocado’s ￡10 million investment in Wayve highlights the importance of autonomous technology in transforming logistics and delivery operations, particularly in the grocery sector.

3. New Huawei AITO M7 Max Refreshed Edition SUV to use 192-line LiDAR

• Huawei is promoting the AITO M7 MAX Refreshed Edition SUV, which will feature a 192-line LiDAR system.
• The 192-line LiDAR was previously introduced in the Wenjie M9 smart car at the December 2023 Winter launch event.
• Yu Chengdong, Chairman of Huawei Smart Car Solutions Business, confirmed the M7 MAX will have the same 192-line LiDAR with upgraded capabilities.
• 192-line LiDAR provides real-time scanning of objects and is mounted on the car’s roof for safety.
• The LiDAR features a hybrid solid-state design, four-sided rotating prism, 120-degree horizontal by 20-degree vertical field of view, and a scan rate up to 20Hz.
• Detection range can reach up to 250m or 180m, depending on reflectivity.
• Huawei uses high-end components for the LiDAR system, including optical parts and internal design elements.
• The M7 MAX Refreshed Edition will have enhanced perception capabilities and improved safety features, with specific upgrades currently undisclosed.
• Huawei plans to launch the AITO M7 MAX Refreshed Edition on May 31.

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By introducing sophisticated LiDAR systems, Huawei is positioning itself as a key player in the smart car solutions market, competing with other tech and automotive giants.

4. TEXTRON SYSTEMS COLLABORATES WITH KODIAK TO DEVELOP UNCREWED MILITARY VEHICLE

• Textron Systems and Kodiak Robotics are collaborating to develop an autonomous military ground vehicle for driverless operations.
• Kodiak will integrate its autonomous system, the Kodiak Driver, into a Textron Systems prototype uncrewed military vehicle.
• This collaboration is Kodiak’s first integration of its technology into a vehicle without space for a human driver.
• Textron Systems has extensive experience in developing air, land, and sea vehicles. The collaboration aims to bring AI-powered autonomous technologies to military customers.
• The system will use the same core technology as Kodiak’s autonomous long-haul trucks, validated across nearly 3 million miles.
• The vehicle will feature Kodiak DefensePods, modular hardware enclosures with necessary sensors, which can be swapped in 10 minutes or less.
• Textron Systems’ Senior VP David Phillips highlighted the benefits of integrating Kodiak’s technology for enhanced functionality, adaptability, and reliability.
• Demonstrations of the integrated vehicle are planned for later in 2024.
• Textron and Kodiak plan to explore future opportunities with the U.S. DoD and allied militaries.
• The goal is to use uncrewed vehicles for high-risk and complex tasks, enhancing national security and protecting military personnel.
• The collaboration builds on Kodiak’s previous work, including an autonomous test vehicle for the DoD unveiled in December 2023.

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The partnership combines Textron’s military vehicle expertise with Kodiak’s autonomous driving technology, potentially setting a new standard for military ground vehicles. Also, it represents a significant expansion for Kodiak into the military sector, diversifying its application of autonomous technology.

5. Vueron Technology selected as one of DIPS 1000+ projects by Ministry of SMEs and Startups in Korea

• Vueron Technology has been selected as a finalist in the future mobility category of the DIPS 1000+ project hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.
• The DIPS 1000+ Project aims to foster more than 1,000 deep-tech startups across 10 new industries with over KRW 2 trillion in investments over five years starting from 2023.
• Selected startups will receive KRW 1.1 billion in support, including up to KRW 600 million for commercialization and KRW 500 million for R&D over three years, along with additional benefits such as policy funds, guarantees, and export support.
• Vueron specializes in autonomous driving LiDAR solutions and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Being selected in the Future Mobility category highlights Vueron’s technology and growth potential.
• Vueron plans to accelerate the mass production of its LiDAR ADAS solution this year. The company previously unveiled its upgraded autonomous driving solution,
• VueOne, and won the Innovation Award at CES 2024 for its Smart Crowd Analytics (SCA) solution, VueTwo.
• Vueron has recruited AI expert Hongmo Je, former CTO of Stradvision, to lead mass production development.
• Vueron aims to advance its autonomous driving technology and enhance safety, with plans to mass-produce its solution this year.

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Vueron’s selection as a finalist in the DIPS 1000+ project underscores its significant potential and technological prowess in the autonomous driving sector. The financial and policy support from the DIPS 1000+ project can significantly accelerate Vueron’s development and commercialization efforts, enhancing its market position.

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