Luminar and Volvo Show Off High-Res, Long-Range Lidar 27 Nov

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IEEE Spectrum’s blog about the sensors, software, and systems that are making cars smarter, more entertaining, and ultimately, autonomous.

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Philip E. Ross, Senior Editor

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Self-Driving Trucks Will Transport Limestone in a Norwegian Mine

Rock Carriers An often-overlooked use for autonomous driving technology is in industrial applications, where raw materials have to be shipped from point A to point B. In what automaker Volvo calls its “first commercial autonomous solution transporting limestone from an open pit mine to a nearby port,” six existing autonomous trucks will be upgraded with sophisticated… Continue reading Self-Driving Trucks Will Transport Limestone in a Norwegian Mine

Volvo’s autonomous trucks tackle mining operations

Six autonomous trucks will move limestone about 5km from the pit to the crusher, through outdoor and enclosed spaces It might not be as flashy as a supercharged Tesla racing up the motorway with no hands on the wheel, but Volvo Trucks’ new contract to haul limestone at a mine in Norway could be more impactful.… Continue reading Volvo’s autonomous trucks tackle mining operations

“Otherwise, activists like Elliott will come”: important investors are attacking Daimler CEO Zetsche

There are testimonies of his work, which do not let Daimler’s Chairman of the Supervisory Board Manfred Bischoff (76) look good. There is, for example, the stock price. Exactly with his development, the fund manager David Herro (57) has shaken him recently. How it could be, Herro wanted to know in a telephone call that… Continue reading “Otherwise, activists like Elliott will come”: important investors are attacking Daimler CEO Zetsche

Subsidised plug-in cars driven on fuel

Tens of thousands of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) bought with generous government grants may be burning as much fuel as combustion-engine cars. ​Data compiled for the BBC suggests that such vehicles in corporate fleets averaged just 40 miles per gallon (mpg), when they could have done 130. Many drivers may never have unwrapped their charging cables,… Continue reading Subsidised plug-in cars driven on fuel

Supersonic trains to be developed by Geely Holding and CASIC

The agreement will enable the two companies to together develop supersonic trains using Maglev technology and next-generation mobility technologies. Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding) has signed a strategic framework agreement with China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) to cooperate on the development of supersonic trains and related technologies. Among the areas of technology… Continue reading Supersonic trains to be developed by Geely Holding and CASIC

Stoneacre acquires three more Mill Garage sites

The Stoneacre Group has followed up its takeover of Mill Garages’ Sunderland site by acquiring three further outlets in Harrogate, Newcastle and Stockton. The deal sees Stoneacre adding to its portfolio of Volvo outlets. It now oversees 8 sites. “Everyone at Mill Garages is delighted to have joined forces with the fantastic Stoneacre brand,” said… Continue reading Stoneacre acquires three more Mill Garage sites

Luminar nabs former Uber executive to lead LiDAR startup’s business development

Luminar, the buzzy LiDAR startup founded by Austin Russell, has added another high-profile executive to its ranks. This time, Luminar has hired Uber executive Brent Schwarz as its head of business development. Schwarz, who has been at Luminar for about two months now, comes from Uber by way of self-driving truck startup Otto, which acquired… Continue reading Luminar nabs former Uber executive to lead LiDAR startup’s business development

Volvo invests in mobile charging company FreeWire

Volvo has acquired a stake in San Francisco-based mobile charging company FreeWire Technologies via the Volvo Cars Tech Fund. While Volvo does not plan to own charging or service stations directly, it says the investment reflects its support for user-friendly charging options as electric mobility continues to grow. “To support wider consumer adoption of electric… Continue reading Volvo invests in mobile charging company FreeWire