Self-Driven Vehicle Updates: AEye, Beep, Crisis Situations, and WeRide Make Headlines
In the world of autonomous vehicles (AVs), two significant developments have taken place recently. Beep, Inc., a leading player in the smart logistics market, has announced its national expansion and continued focus on scalable, autonomous public mobility solutions, following a $52.7 million funding round co-led by Intel Capital and Blue Lagoon Capital [1]. This latest fundraising brings Beep's total to $97.7 million. The funds will support Beep's growth, with the company having already launched NAVI, the first fully autonomous public transportation system in the U.S., in partnership with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority [2]. NAVI operates a fleet of 14 ADA-compliant, electric Ford E-Transit shuttles along a 3.5-mile route through downtown Jacksonville.
Meanwhile, WeRide, a key innovator in China's fast-growing autonomous delivery landscape, has received a second active road testing permit in Guangzhou's Huangpu District for its Robovan W5 [6]. The Robovan W5, designed for high-frequency urban deliveries, is equipped with comprehensive safety features and boasts a cargo volume of 5.5m3 and a payload of 1,000kg. The Robovan W5 testing in Guangzhou follows earlier approval in Nansha, reflecting the vehicle's technical readiness and Guangzhou's strategic push for autonomous and electric mobility.
However, as the use of AVs increases, challenges for first responders in handling emergencies involving these vehicles have come to light. A new report from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute warns that Texas first responders are dangerously underprepared to handle incidents involving AVs [3]. The report identifies major gaps in training, emergency procedures, and communication protocols for handling AV incidents. Challenges include a lack of training standards, insufficient information, AVs failing to respond to hand signals or directions at crash scenes, and a lack of standardized emergency response procedures [3].
To address these gaps, the report urges immediate policy action, including implementing and enforcing stricter regulations and standards for AV safety, establishing clear communication protocols between AV operators and first responders, integrating real-time data from various sources into AV systems, implementing robust cybersecurity measures, and educating the public and first responders about the capabilities and limitations of AVs [3].
In related news, Kevin Reid has been appointed as the new CEO of Beep, replacing Joe Moye [4]. Additionally, AEye, Inc. has secured a partnership with an OEM to integrate its Apollo lidar systems into future transportation applications, projected to generate over $30 million in revenue within the next 24 to 36 months [5]. The Apollo lidar technology, known for its ability to detect objects up to one kilometer away, will help enhance early hazard detection in critical safety systems.
As the AV industry continues to evolve, these developments highlight the potential for growth and innovation, while also underscoring the need for continued focus on safety and emergency preparedness.
References: [1] Beep Raises $52.7 Million in New Funding, Bringing Total to $97.7 Million. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beep-raises-527-million-in-new-funding-bringing-total-to-977-million-301638730.html [2] Beep, Inc. Begins Operating NAVI, the First Fully Autonomous Public Transportation System in the U.S. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beep-inc-begins-operating-navi-the-first-fully-autonomous-public-transportation-system-in-the-us-301641773.html [3] Texas A&M Transportation Institute: First Responders Underprepared for Autonomous Vehicle Incidents. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tamu.edu/news/latest-news/stories/2021/09/28/texas-first-responders-underprepared-for-autonomous-vehicle-incidents/ [4] Beep Appoints Kevin Reid as New CEO. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beep-appoints-kevin-reid-as-new-ceo-301646936.html [5] AEye Secures Partnership to Integrate Apollo Lidar Technology into Future Transportation Applications. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aeye-secures-partnership-to-integrate-apollo-lidar-technology-into-future-transportation-applications-301638474.html [6] WeRide's Robovan W5 Receives Second Active Road Testing Permit in Guangzhou's Huangpu District. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/werides-robovan-w5-receives-second-active-road-testing-permit-in-guangzhou-s-huangpu-district-301641823.html
- In light of Beep's national expansion and continued focus on safety features in autonomous public mobility solutions, it is crucial for companies to allocate funds from their finance sector towards ensuring technology integrations that enhance early hazard detection and emergency preparedness.
- Meanwhile, as WeRide's Robovan W5, equipped with comprehensive safety features, expands its autonomous delivery landscape in China, it is essential for first responders to receive extensive training and develop clear communication protocols to handle potential emergencies involving these advanced vehicles.
