Sensors and onboard computers help self-driving cars see, plan and act. With NVIDIA DRIVE Mapping software, they can also make sure vehicles stay on the right path. DRIVE Mapping allows vehicles to navigate anywhere in the world. It uses maps from partners such as Baidu, HERE, TomTom, NavInfo and Zenrin to localize vehicles to high-definition maps with unprecedented breadth and accuracy. HD maps are a vital component to self-driving technology. They make it possible for driverless vehicles to know precisely where they are on the road, which lane they’re in and where they can safely go. Using the sensors and compute of vehicle fleets on the road, NVIDIA is providing its many partners the ability to update these HD maps and keep them fresh. Staying Up to Speed Roads are constantly changing. Consider your daily commute. Construction zones can pop up, accidents can occur, or weather can affect road conditions — all of which can cause lane closures or other obstructions to a routine drive. HD maps provide highly detailed information about commonly traveled roadways. But without constant updates, they can’t account for these spontaneous changes. With DRIVE Mapping, vehicles can help keep these maps up to date, improving safety and efficiency. By taking in sensor data and processing it on the high-performance DRIVE platform, DRIVE MapStream facilitates the update of cloud-based HD maps from NVIDIA mapping partners, such as HERE and TomTom. “HERE and NVIDIA have collaborated to work seamlessly with HERE’s HD Live Map for the critical features of localization and keeping the HD Live Map fresh through vehicle sensor data,” said Matt Preyss, product marketing manager for Autonomous Driving at HERE. Perception software detects semantic landmarks, like traffic lights, signs or barriers, in the vehicle’s environment to compare with those from the HD mapping provider. Using DRIVE MapStream, that data is uploaded to the cloud, updating the map with any new or changed features on the roadway. Autonomous vehicles can then access up-to-date maps, allowing them to navigate the path ahead. “OEMs and Tier 1’s can use the NVIDIA DRIVE system to rapidly deploy highway automated driving features in their cars with TomTom’s up-to-date HD maps,” said Frans de Rooij, regional director of Product Management at TomTom. Finding New Roads Though mapping providers have extensive coverage around the world, some less-frequented roads, like neighborhood streets and driveways, may not make it on an HD map. By using similar processes as described above — along with data filtering, fusion and processing using DRIVE MapServices in the cloud — DRIVE Mapping can help fill in the gaps. Perception software on the NVIDIA DRIVE platform detects semantic landmarks based on sensor data from vehicles driving within the new mapping territory. This data is then fused with information from previous drives to build the map called MyRoute. Car manufacturers and individuals can use this functionality to create personalized maps. The software can track a user’s commonly traveled route, like their daily commute or school carpool routine, and create an individualized map. MyRoute then enables a vehicle to drive this path door-to-door, navigating driveways and parking lots for the utmost convenience and efficiency. DRIVE Mapping software is applicable anywhere in the world and an open platform: We welcome mapping providers and manufacturers to join the DRIVE platform ecosystem. Learn more here . Source: blogs.nvidia.com Read the full article

The UK’s first full-sized bus with driverless technology is being trialled by one of the UK’s biggest transport firms. Stagecoach said the vehicle – developed in partnership with bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) and technology company Fusion Processing – will use autonomous functions to move around a depot in Manchester. The system uses multiple sensors such as radar, optical cameras and ultrasound to plan a path for the vehicle while detecting and avoiding objects. The equipment is installed on an 11.5-metre ADL Enviro200 bus, which is now able to operate autonomously within Sharston depot. It’s hoped this could provide future benefits during passenger journeys, such as providing a warning when a cyclist or pedestrian may be in a blind spot. Existing rules mean a driver must remain on board the bus at all times during the trial, although the UK is in the process of updating its regulations around driverless vehicles. The software being used in Manchester will form the basis of another pilot scheme next year. This involves five autonomous buses transporting passengers between Edinburgh and Fife across the Forth Road Bridge Corridor. Stagecoach chief executive Martin Griffiths said: “Stagecoach was the original transport disruptor, trying new things and breaking new ground, and that has never changed. “This is an exciting project to trial autonomous technology on a full-sized bus for the first time in the UK. “Our employees are the beating heart of our business and I believe that will remain the case, but the world is changing fast, particularly where new technology is involved, and it’s our job to lead the way in looking at ways to continually progress and improve our operations for the good of the many people who use our bus services every day.” Source: First full-sized driverless bus trial in UK Read the full article

The first step towards driverless vehicles becoming a reality has been unveiled by Bosch with its self-driving shuttle bus of the future. The self-driving car is coming. But before it arrives, driverless shuttles could take to Australian roads. German company Bosch has made a name for itself in recent years for fusing Internet of Technology and appliances to created connected devices for the home. Bosch has also been on the coalface of developing connected city and transportation technology - including the reveal of the first driverless shuttle. The concept shuttle vehicle was revealed at the annual Consumer Technology Association CES trade show in Las Vegas earlier this year. Forget crammed trams, buses and train - these autonomous ridesharing vehicles are aimed at user comfort. The concept included four, plush cushioned seats each equipped with infotainment tablets all housed in a sleek steel and glass casing. Soon, Bosch hopes to have working prototypes ready for users to try, board of management member Dr. Markus Heyn said. "This will pay into our vision of mobility that is as emissions-free, accident-free, and stress-free as possible," he said. Bosch is taking a total approach to these driverless shuttles, including software and innovation for reservations, sharing and connectivity platforms as well as parking and recharging services. Dr Heyn said the company had ambitions to roll out their innovations in all vehicles of the future. “In the future, every vehicle on the road will make use of Bosch digital services. We will consolidate them into a smart, seamlessly connected ecosystem,” he said. Bosch is currently testing their autonomous ride-sharing technology in San Jose, California in Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles. It is hoped this will advance to test rides in autonomous shuttles in the near future. Please Note: Leave a comment below to ask our expert editors anything related to the article you have just read. Let's start a personal and meaningful conversation! Source: Bosch launches driverless electric shuttles Read the full article

Apps will enable transport solutions of the future- like the Ford Pass app for Electric Vehicles that helps locate a charging station.