ENGtechnica

Tag: AutonomousDriving

  • Outsight, Hesai, and Embotech Collaborate for BMW’s AVM System

    Outsight, Hesai, and Embotech Collaborate for BMW’s AVM System

    STUTTGART, Germany, Jan 30, 2025 – Hesai Technology, Outsight, and Embotech AG has announced a collaboration to deliver cutting-edge lidar technology and perception software for Embotech’s AVM technology deployed in BMW facilities and known internally at BMW as Automated Driving In-Plant (AFW). The collaboration brings together industry leaders in autonomous driving solutions and sensing technology.

    Hesai lidar at a BMW facility equipped with the Automated Driving In-Plant solution. ©BMW AG

    Embotech is the system provider for BMW’s recently announced Automated Driving In-Plant series operation and global rollout. For the AVM solution, Outsight plays a key role with its advanced lidar software platform that tracks the ego-vehicle and the surrounding obstacles within BMW’s production facilities, while Hesai supplies its industry-leading lidar sensors, renowned for their accuracy and reliability, which act as the “eyes” of the AVM system.

    Embotech, Outsight and Hesai have successfully collaborated for several years, jointly advancing lidar and perception solutions for autonomous driving. The companies are global leaders in their respective fields, driving innovation in lidar as well as perception technology. This latest strategic collaboration builds upon a strong foundation, enabling the companies to provide best-in-class technology for AVM, which is safety rated, fulfilling the highest performance and availability requirements.

    A BMW vehicle operating autonomously in a production facility. ©BMW AG

    “Hesai is proud to partner with Embotech and Outsight to deliver cutting-edge lidar technology for BMW’s AVM system,” says Dr. David Li, CEO and co-founder of Hesai Technology. “This state-of-the-art technology demonstrates the high level of precision and safety offered by our lidar and Outsight’s perception software for Embotech’s autonomous driving solutions. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and bringing this technology to more factories around the world.”

    “The combination of Outsight’s sophisticated lidar software platform and Hesai’s reliable lidar sensors perfectly complements Embotech’s autonomous driving expertise,” says Dr. Alexander Domahidi, CTO and founder of Embotech. “This collaboration ensures the highest standards of safety and efficiency in BMW’s automated vehicle operations.”

    According to Raul Bravo, president and co-founder at Outsight, “Our collaboration with Embotech, Hesai, and BMW highlights the increasing maturity of LiDAR technology, particularly the software underpinning it. Its application to real-world factory conditions demonstrates its ability to enhance industrial safety and efficiency, while underlining the importance of a comprehensive framework to realise the potential of autonomous driving.”

    The integrated system is managing the movement of new vehicles through production and logistics steps at three BMW plants. This launch is the first stage of a broader rollout to several facilities in Europe and North America.

    This partnership marks a major advancement in industrial automation. It integrates Embotech’s trusted autonomous driving expertise with Outsight and Hesai’s leading perception technology.

    About Hesai Technology

    Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Shanghai, China, Hesai Technology is a global leader in three-dimensional light detection and ranging (LiDAR) solutions. The company develops, manufactures, and sells LiDAR products that serve a broad spectrum of applications, including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for passenger and commercial vehicles, autonomous driving vehicles, and various robotic applications such as last-mile delivery robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The company supplies ADAS lidar to 6 of the top 10 global OEMs by revenue and is ranked No. 1 in the ADAS lidar market globally, with a 26% market share. As of 2023, Hesai employs over 1,100 people and has established offices in Shanghai, Palo Alto, and Stuttgart, with customers spanning over 40 countries. In 2023, the company reported revenues of approximately $250 million. Hesai integrates its in-house manufacturing process with LiDAR research and development, enabling rapid product iteration and ensuring performance, quality, and affordability.

    Source: Hesai Technology

  • Mouser Electronics Expands Automotive Resource Hub for Engineers

    Mouser Electronics Expands Automotive Resource Hub for Engineers

    DALLAS and FORT WORTH, TX, Jan 28, 2025 – Mouser Electronics equips engineers with resources to create innovative designs with its comprehensive automotive resource center. The automotive industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements like reaching SAE Level 3 ADAS. This allows vehicles to operate completely on their own unless human control is needed. Improved lidar, radar, and cameras make this possible. This level of autonomy is changing transportation by boosting safety, reducing traffic congestion, and enhanced accessibility for people with disabilities.

    Fueled by the demand for eco-friendly choices, vehicles are evolving in every aspect. Zonal architecture, a new vehicle structure that divides functions into zones with dedicated computing power, enables faster processing speeds, simplified wiring, and seamless software updates, paving the way for software-defined vehicles (SDVs) like EVs and HEVs. As battery technology improves, EVs are becoming more affordable and practical, offering a viable alternative to gas-powered cars. Extended range and accelerated charging speeds put additional stress on EV/HEV batteries. Still, advanced thermal solutions, including shifting to DC chargers, efficiently manage the heat generated during the charging process.

    Mouser’s automotive content hub is a one-stop source for engineers to stay ahead of the curve. It has extensive articles, blogs, eBooks, and products from Mouser’s technical team and trusted manufacturing partners. For  navigation, the hub is separated into sub-sections, including EV/HEV, autonomy, infotainment, and engine and drive train. There are  articles on the latest innovations in commercial vehicles and trucks of tomorrow, with choices from autonomous trucks to drones.

    Mouser stocks the industry’s widest selection of semiconductors and electronic components, including the following products and solutions for automotive applications:

    • The TPS650320-Q1 automotive camera power management ICs (PMICs) by Texas Instruments are highly integrated power solutions for automotive camera modules. This device combines one low-dropout (LDO) regulator and three step-down converters. The LDO and the step-down converters have separate voltage inputs, enabling maximum design and sequencing flexibility.
    • The AS0149AT CMOS digital image sensors from onsemi are designed for automotive use and offer a wide range of output formats, including RGB888, YUV422, BT.656, or BT.601. With rolling-shutter readout, these sensors capture color images in linear or high dynamic range mode, excelling in low light and high dynamic range scenes thanks to 3µm BSI pixel and up to 120dB HDR capture capability.
    • The MX150 mid-voltage connectors from Molex are designed to meet the growing demand in the automotive industry for 48V electrical systems. These connectors offer a reliable and field-tested solution for mid-voltage connectivity requirements within the transportation industry, using the same package size and housing as proven MX150 connectors. The connectors are ideal for electric motor generators, e-chargers, and more.
    • The HIVONEX high-power charging inlets by TE Connectivity support high-power charging, reducing downtime and maximizing productivity. The inlets feature a rugged design and can support continuous higher-power charging of up to 500A for quick charging. These inlets allow vehicles to work in harsh off-highway conditions without the risk of a charging failure. They are suitable for charging battery electric vehicles with either AC or DC charging.

    About Mouser Electronics

    Mouser Electronics, established in 1964 and based in Mansfield, Texas, is a global distributor of semiconductors and electronic components. The company supports industries like automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, and telecommunications. It offers over one million unique products from more than 1,200 top manufacturers, including Texas Instruments, Intel, TE Connectivity, and Analog Devices. Mouser operates 28 locations worldwide and employs more than 4,000 people. Its annual revenue exceeds $4 billion, making it the seventh-largest electronic component distributor globally. The company’s distribution facility in Texas spans one million square feet, ensuring fast order processing and shipping to over 650,000 customers in 223 countries and territories. As part of TTI, Inc. and the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, Mouser remains focused on providing design engineers and buyers with the latest products and technologies.

    Source: Mouser

  • DMP and PTV Sign MoU to Advance Traffic Simulation Tech

    DMP and PTV Sign MoU to Advance Traffic Simulation Tech

    TOKYO, Japan, Jan 28, 2025 – Dynamic Map Platform Co., Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PTV Group, part of Umovity, for the development of simulation technology in the fields of automotive and transportation engineering and its applications.

    (left) PTV Group Managing Director Mobility Steve Perone (Right) Shuichi Yoshimura, CEO & President

    Under the MoU, DMP and PTV have agreed to combine DMP’s high-precision 3D map data with PTV’s traffic simulation software “PTV Vissim” to provide a high-tech simulation environment. Through this collaboration, DMP aims to further utilize 3D Map data in simulations, while PTV aims to expand the adoption of “PTV Vissim” mainly in the automotive industry.

    Commenting on the partnership, Steve Perone, PTV’s managing director mobility, said, “Precise data is essential for creating realistic simulations. DMP’s high-precision 3D map data will allow us to deliver Model2Go for PTV Vissim networks – out of the box and in just a few days, unlocking a wealth of opportunities for both the automotive industry and traffic engineering.”

    Shuichi Yoshimura, DMP’s president and CEO, stated, “PTV is a global provider of simulation software. By providing 3D maps to PTV and PTV users around the world, it is possible to replicate a road network that is as close to reality as possible on a global scale. Through this partnership, we look forward to significant innovation in the automotive and transportation industries.”

    As a platform provider of high-precision 3D map data, DMP will continue to collaborate with a wide range of industries and contribute to the creation of innovations in various industrial fields.

    About PTV Group

    PTV Group, founded in 1979 and based in Karlsruhe, Germany, is a leader in software solutions for traffic planning, simulation, and real-time management. Serving industries like automotive, government agencies, and transportation, the company focuses on advancing smart, efficient, and sustainable mobility solutions. In 2023, PTV Group’s Mobility division merged with Econolite under the Umovity brand, further strengthening its market presence. With over four decades of expertise, PTV’s proprietary algorithms support microscopic and macroscopic traffic modeling, benefitting more than 2,900 cities and municipalities worldwide. The company employs approximately 670 people globally. In January 2022, Bridgepoint acquired a majority stake in PTV Group, partnering with shareholder Porsche Automobil Holding SE to drive further expansion. PTV’s innovative traffic management solutions continue to shape urban mobility by optimizing transportation networks and enabling smarter infrastructure planning.

    About Dynamic Map Platform Co., Ltd.

    Dynamic Map Platform Co., Ltd., established on June 13, 2016, and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in developing high-precision 3D map data essential for autonomous driving and advanced driver assistance systems. Serving the automotive industry, the company provides dynamic mapping solutions that enhance vehicle navigation and safety. As of September 1, 2023, Dynamic Map Platform employs approximately 270 individuals across its operations in Japan, the U.S., Germany, and South Korea.

    Source: Dynamic Map Platform

  • Hyundai Teams with NVIDIA for AI Innovation

    Hyundai Teams with NVIDIA for AI Innovation

    LAS VEGAS, NV, and SEOUL, South Korea, Jan 10, 2025 – Hyundai Motor Group has announced a strategic partnership with NVIDIA to accelerate the development of advanced AI technologies that will drive the future of mobility.

    In the AI era, Hyundai Motor Group is driving innovation through strategic AI integration, positioning itself at the forefront of smart mobility solutions. The Group operates a variety of AI initiatives and through this partnership aims to further enhance the application of intelligence to its core mobility products, such as software-defined vehicles and robotics, and across its business operations.

    (from left) Heung-Soo Kim, executive vice president and head of global strategy office at Hyundai Motor Group and Rishi Dhall, vice president of automotive at NVIDIA

    “Hyundai Motor Group is exploring innovative approaches with AI technologies in various fields such as robotics, autonomous driving, and smart factory,” said Heung-Soo Kim, executive vice president and head of global strategy office at Hyundai Motor Group. “This partnership is set to accelerate our progress, positioning the Group as a frontrunner in driving AI-empowered mobility innovation.”

    As part of the agreement, Hyundai Motor Group will harness NVIDIA accelerated computing and AI Enterprise software to help manage the massive amounts of data required to safely develop and train its AI models for various applications.

    The Group will also utilize the NVIDIA Omniverse platform to develop physical AI and digital twin applications to simulate its factories, helping improve manufacturing efficiencies and quality, and streamline costs. In addition, the Group will use the NVIDIA Isaac robot development platform to develop and safely deploy AI robots.

    Both the companies will also work closely to create virtual simulation environments for safe and reliable autonomous driving technology and robotics systems.

    “Accelerated computing, generative AI, and Omniverse are unlocking a new era of mobility,” said Rishi Dhall, vice president of automotive at NVIDIA. “This partnership will drive the creation of safer, more intelligent vehicles, supercharge manufacturing with greater efficiency and quality, and deploy cutting-edge robotics to help build a smarter, more connected digital workplace.” The initiatives pave the way for groundbreaking innovations in the partnership’s future plans, with more announcements expected soon.