Autonomous – Page 2681 – I wish I had more to offer

Wed 31 Oct 2018

PRODUCTIONISATION OF ADVANCED MODULAR PASSENGER AUTONOMOUS SEATING (PAMPAS)
The Productionisation of Advanced Modular Passenger Autonomous Seating (PAMPAS) project is a feasibility study funded through the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme to prove the economic potential for the mass production of Gordon Murray Design’s innovative light-weight automotive seats.

Gordon Murray Design recently revealed its new seat innovation – the iStream® lightweight seat, which incorporates glass or recycled carbon-fibre composite bonded to a tubular frame to achieve a dramatic 30% weight saving vs a conventional modern seat. The building of composite car seats has traditionally been expensive due to the unsuitability of the composite manufacturing process for mass production, but the revolutionary iStream manufacturing process overturns this convention, utilising a composite sandwich panel structure and metallic frame combination, which costs no more than a conventional car seat.

To ensure the already technically proven seating system can enter into series production as a commercially viable proposition, major deliverables from the PAMPAS project will be to undertake a study to establish market trends and growth expectations of seating systems within the automotive industry and to investigate and assess manufacturing business model options.

*** Key advantages of iStream lightweight seat:

30% weight saving vs conventional modern seat.

iStream lightweight composite structure (glass or carbon).

Full four-way adjustment and fold-flat mode.

ECE R17 Luggage retention.

Professor Gordon Murray, Chairman of Gordon Murray Design said: “Gordon Murray Design is pleased to announce the Productionisation of Advanced Modular Passenger Autonomous Seating (PAMPAS) project as an important further development of the revolutionary iStream® manufacturing technology and is another example of a new innovation that can be implemented in a cost-effective and robust manner, appropriate for mass production”.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 827005.

-Ends-

Notes to Editors:

Gordon Murray Design’s iStream lightweight seat is currently on display at the Advanced Engineering show at the NEC between 31st October to 1st November 2018 on Stand M80 in Hall 3/3A.

About Gordon Murray Design Limited

Gordon Murray Design is a visionary design and engineering company with its headquarters in Shalford in Surrey, plus R&D and manufacturing facilities in Dunsfold. It was established in 2007 with a focus on developing an innovative and disruptive manufacturing technology trademarked iStream®, and has since built a global reputation as one of the finest automotive design teams in the world.

The company’s unique approach and truly creative thinking enables Gordon Murray Design to deliver complete car programmes in a highly efficient and innovative way from concept and design, through to prototype and development for production.

About iStream

Rather than the traditional method of combining hundreds of panels of stamped metal, iStream uses tubular metal with 10 – 15 structural composite panels. iStream Superlight® is the ultimate automotive lightweighting technology as it maximises the iStream approach by using cored honeycomb carbon fibre composite and an aluminium frame to save almost 50% in weight against a standard stamped metal chassis.

iStream is an acronym for iS = Stabilised; T = Tube; R = Reinforced; E = Exo-frame; A = Advanced; M = Manufacturing.

www.istreamtechnology.co.uk

About iStream lightweight seat

***Advantages of the iStream lightweight seat:

iStream lightweight composite structure (glass or carbon)

Full four-way adjustment and fold-flat mode

30% weight saving vs conventional modern seat

Satisfies all applicable European automotive requirements (UN ECE), including luggage retention requirements

Ultra-low tooling and developments costs

Flexibility of design through low cost tooling

Low part count

Simple, high-speed assembly

Suitable for low and high-volume applications

Can achieve low seating position

Excellent package performance

Anti-submarining design

Competitive piece cost

Patent protected

Enquiries:

For further information please contact Sarah Smith, Communications Officer at Gordon Murray Design Limited sarah.smith@gordonmurraydesign.com +44 (0)1483 484700.

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UPDATE 3-VW and Ford in talks on self-driving and electric vehicles -source

FRANKFURT/DETROIT (Reuters) – Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE) and Ford Motor Co are in “exploratory talks” to jointly develop self-driving and electric vehicles in a far-reaching strategic alliance meant to save the companies billions of dollars, according to a person familiar with the matter. FILE PHOTO: A car with the Volkswagen VW logo badge is seen on… Continue reading UPDATE 3-VW and Ford in talks on self-driving and electric vehicles -source

Ford partners to develop autonomous vehicles in China

Original Article

Uber and Lyft unveiled new subscription plans. But are they really worth the money?

On Tuesday, Uber rolled out Ride Pass, a subscription plan in which customers pay $14.99 monthly (or $24.99 in Los Angeles) to avoid surge pricing. The plan, which Uber is marketing as “an affordable option people can use for their everyday transportation needs,” is only available in Los Angeles, Austin, Orlando, Denver, and Miami for… Continue reading Uber and Lyft unveiled new subscription plans. But are they really worth the money?

Ford and Baidu team up to test self-driving vehicles in China

Nelson Ching | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Robin Li, chief executive officer of Baidu Inc.

Ford and Chinese internet giant Baidu announced a tie-up Wednesday that will see the two firms jointly test self-driving vehicles in China for two years.

The initiative will see the two companies collaborate on the development and testing of driverless vehicles that meet the Level 4 standard set by U.S. industry organization SAE International. This means that autonomous vehicles developed by the two will not require intervention from a human driver.

Ford and Baidu did not disclose any financial terms or ownership structure details of the venture.

“Working with a leading tech partner like Baidu allows us to leverage new opportunities in China to offer innovative solutions that improve safety, convenience and the overall mobility experience,” Sherif Marakby, president and CEO of Ford's autonomous vehicles unit, said in a statement Wednesday.

“This project marks a new milestone in the partnership between Ford and Baidu, and supports Ford's vision to design smart vehicles that transform how we get around.”

Ford's autonomous vehicles have already been fitted with Baidu's autonomous driving system Apollo, the two companies said in a joint statement. On-road testing of the driverless vehicles developed by Ford and Baidu is slated to start by the end of this year.

“Baidu and Ford both believe in using technology to redefine the future of mobility,” Zhenyu Li, vice president and general manager of Baidu's intelligent driving group, said in a statement.

“This project will combine our leading-edge technological know-how and understanding of China together with Ford's vehicle expertise, marking a significant step forward towards Baidu's goal of developing autonomous driving vehicles that will greatly benefit future consumers.”

The news follows an initial announcement made in June that the two companies would explore areas of cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence and connectivity.

Baidu was recently added to the Partnership on AI (PAI), a U.S. ethics body devoted to establishing best practices for AI and educating society about the technology. It was the first Chinese firm to join the organization.

It has upped the competitive pressure on U.S. rivals that are ploughing significant money and resources into AI — including Google and Microsoft — and recently developed a tool which it says can translate different languages in real time.

Alliance Ventures leads strategic investment in WeRide.ai

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi and WeRide.ai to increase presence in Chinese autonomous vehicle services Alliance Ventures, the strategic venture capital arm of Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, has become the lead strategic investor of WeRide.ai (formerly JingChi.ai), China’s leading autonomous driving company focused on Level 4 (L4) self-driving technology, following completion of the company’s Series A funding. The investment in WeRide.ai is… Continue reading Alliance Ventures leads strategic investment in WeRide.ai

Cruise Struggles But Progresses Toward Autonomous Chevy Bolt EV’s

Autonomous Chevy Bolt EVs likely to reach many major cities in “single digit years, not decades” GM CEO Mary Barra recently spoke with The Atlantic at City Lab Detroit about the future of autonomous and electric vehicles. There she again made a call for a national ZEV program. She also re-iterated the need for government… Continue reading Cruise Struggles But Progresses Toward Autonomous Chevy Bolt EV’s

Fisker Inc. and prominent Hakim Unique Group conglomerate team up to create the electric Fisker ORBIT Smart Shuttle autonomous vehicle for Smart Cities.

• World-renowned electric vehicle design and technology from Fisker will complement global smart city expertise, infrastructure and investments from Hakim Unique Group of China.

• Automotive design icon and electric vehicle industry revolutionary, Henrik Fisker and Fisker Inc., will team with prominent entrepreneur, Wang Qicheng (Jack Wong) and the Hakim Unique Group on a vision for more integrated smart city systems – starting with electric, autonomous shuttles from Fisker Inc.

• The development comes on the heels of Fisker Inc. news on the launch of its EMotion luxury electric sedan, Fisker scientists filing patents on solid-state battery technology and more electric vehicle technology breakthroughs.

(November 30, 2017) – Fisker Inc., designer and manufacturer of the world’s most desirable electric vehicles complemented with some of the longest EV ranges and breakthrough automotive technology, is entering an alliance with prominent China-based conglomerate, Hakim Unique Group, to develop the world’s most appealing autonomous shuttle for smart cities across the globe. The partnership is reflective of both firms’ shared vision in new mobility trends and the elevation of integrated smart city concepts – bringing them to life with a powerful combination of infrastructure, world-renowned design and cutting-edge electric vehicle innovation.

Hakim Unique Group’s conglomerate of more than 160 wholly owned or partly controlled companies has an intense interest and expertise in developing smart city infrastructure – with a comprehensive range of experts across government, universities, operators and enterprises. And with full capabilities in consulting, advanced technical research, multi-mode operation, integration, implementation and operation – the company is positioned to influence the mobility needs, design and development of smart cities everywhere.
Fisker Inc. – the brainchild of automotive design icon and industry revolutionary, Henrik Fisker – has recently announced breakthrough developments on not just its own upcoming vehicles, including the Fisker EMotion luxury electric sedan, but in proprietary technologies that will change the face of the automotive industry and beyond. The company’s engineers, scientists and visionaries imagine connected cities that may benefit greatly from insight, expertise and aggressive R&D capabilities from a radically forward-thinking automotive company.
The first joint project will include the design, development and integration of a Fisker electric, autonomous shuttle into a Hakim Unique-implemented smart city. ‘Fisker Orbit’ vehicles would benefit from Henrik Fisker’s futuristic design vision and the latest high technology ergonomic interior of the future.
Fisker will begin delivering the first Orbit electric autonomous shuttles by the end of 2018.

Henrik Fisker, chairman and CEO of Fisker Inc.

“Our tireless work at Fisker Inc. has never just been about the design and development of our own compelling electric vehicles – but exploring new frontiers in technology across multiple industries for the advancement of human mobility and progression of society as a whole. It’s in this spirit that we’re thrilled to partner with Hakim Unique Group and a top entrepreneur in “Jack” Wang Qicheng – who’s been at the forefront in investment, development and implementation of infrastructure for the smart cities of the future. The combination of our breakthrough automotive technology, design prowess and unique vantage point as industry revolutionaries – and Jack’s truly integrated vision of smart cities – is powerful. I am very excited about making the impossible, possible with intelligent urban ecosystems – starting with the development of one of the world’s most forward-thinking and uniquely designed electric, autonomous shuttles: The Fisker Orbit.”

Qicheng Wang (Jack Wong), chairman of Hakim Unique Group

“Hakim Unique Group, as a leading Chinese enterprise in building smart cities, has been devoted to providing intelligent, convenient and integrated solutions for urban upgrading in China. We strive to bring the latest technology into the field of smart transportation and use it to improve public transportation, as well as help to promote social progress. Here, we share the same values with Fisker Inc.
Henrik Fisker – as an internationally acclaimed automotive designer, complemented with his strong team at Fisker Inc. – is a visionary with innovation and foresight in science and technology, giving us confidence in the prospect of our collaboration. Fisker Inc. and Hakim Unique Group will co-develop the autonomous shuttle 'Fisker Orbit,' in which Fisker Inc. will be responsible for technology development and product design, while Hakim Unique Group will be responsible for marketing and operation in China/Asia. The greatest opportunity for society in the future comes from the orchestra of data, intelligence and collaboration – as well as the convergence of online and offline activities. If we take this opportunity, we will restructure the business ecosystem. Hakim Unique Group aims to become an enterprise that can bring profound impact on human lives around the world, and even on the future of business. We believe that Fisker Inc. shares that same ambition, and our collaboration today will not only create a great win-win outcome, but also create a story and legacy to be relished by future generations.”

About Fisker Inc.

California-based Fisker Inc. is revolutionizing the automotive industry by developing the most emotionally desirable electric vehicles complemented with the longest EV range and shortest charging times on earth. The brainchild of EV pioneer and world-leading automotive designer, Henrik Fisker, Fisker Inc.’s mission is to set a new standard of excellence and performance in the electric vehicle industry and mobility services – developing unique, high-performance electric vehicles with the latest technology to complement groundbreaking range, charging time, autonomous driving and user experiences. To learn more, visit www.FiskerInc.com.

About Hakim Unique Group

Hakim Unique Group (HUG) is a global conglomerate with more than 160 subsidiaries, including Hakim Unique Internet Co. Ltd, a publicly listed company on the Shenzhen A-Share Exchange. Founded in 2006 by prominent entrepreneur, Qicheng Wang, the company is focused on four major business sectors: Cultural media, healthcare, technology and finance. And with a total group valuation of more than 210 billion Yuan ($32 billion USD), HUG is ranked amongst China’s top 500 private enterprises according to Zheshang Magazine – as well as a top 100 most profitable company.

Cultural Media: Hakim Unique Media Group delivers resources, content and scenes across the entire media industry. With renowned shareholders like Zhou Xun, Huang Lei, He Jiong and Kexin Chan Studio, the company has been engaged in film and variety shows – as well as the production/distribution of TV dramas, commercial performances, brand/internal marketing and artist/talent management.
Healthcare: Hakim Unique Health Technology Co., Ltd., and Hakim Unique Smart Healthcare Services Co. Ltd. are committed to improving access to quality care globally. By connecting healthcare providers and patients through technology and service driven platforms, HUG, through its holdings in California Healthcom Group and HAOEYOU Satellite Clinics, has a presence in more than 200 tertiary hospitals in China.
Technology: Hakim Unique Internet Co. Ltd. (SZ 300300; A-Share listed on Shenzhen Exchange) is the leading force in smart city technology applications and artificial intelligence. With a strong internal R&D team and actively expanding smart city-based applications using artificial intelligence within its developments, HUG is creating a new business ecosystem and boosting new business development.
Finance: The Group actively built a new financial section business group with total investments of 100 billion Yuan ($15 billion USD), including three major sub-groups of financial holding, financial technology and asset management.
With offices in nine major cities around the world (Paris, Vancouver, Seoul, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Taipei, Doha, Algiers and Los Angeles), Hakim Unique Group is fully committed to attracting worldwide attention and strategic partnerships within media, healthcare, finance, intelligent applications and other innovative industries.

Topics:

Smart City,

Autonomous Electric Public Transportation,

Fisker News,

ORBIT Electric Shuttle,

Sustainability,

Future,

Innovation,

Autonomous Vehicles

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UPDATE 2-Waymo gets first California OK for driverless testing without backup driver

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Alphabet Inc’s (GOOGL.O) Waymo unit on Tuesday became the first company to receive a permit from the state of California to test driverless vehicles without a backup driver in the front seat, the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles said. FILE PHOTO: The Waymo logo is displayed during the company’s unveil of a… Continue reading UPDATE 2-Waymo gets first California OK for driverless testing without backup driver

Waymo, take the wheel: Self-driving cars go fully driverless on California roads

Self-driving startup Waymo, a Google spin -off owned by parent company Alphabet, has been granted the first permit in California to begin driverless testing on public roads. Yes, that means self-driving cars without a human behind the wheel will be cruising around California, beginning with a limited geographic area in Silicon Valley. The company’s autonomous vehicles are a common sight… Continue reading Waymo, take the wheel: Self-driving cars go fully driverless on California roads